Racing success for students
Mon, 26 September 2016
West Hill School students, in partnership with Tameside College took to Aintree racetrack to compete in the Greenpower Challenge with their hand built, electric go-kart.
The students, along with motor vehicle staff from the college who helped them to build the kart, visited Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool for the annual Greenpower Challenge competition. They competed against teams from Jaguar Land Rover, Ferrari and Greenpower Silesia, a team which travelled from Poland for the race
The Greenpower challenge is an annual competition which encourages young people to get involved in Engineering by designing, building and racing their own go kart. The competition included two races, with three drivers taking turns to drive 15-20 minute stints in the kart before a pit stop and changeover. The aim of the race is to rack up the most distance in your kart in each 90 minute race.
The kart managed to travel a distance of 17km. The West Hill/Tameside College team came a respectable 14th place after beating competitors from experienced, professional teams and universities.
The project has been supported by GM Higher, which raises awareness of opportunities in higher education across Manchester.
Mark Stuart, West Hill School student commented: “It’s been really good to be involved in building the car for the Greenpower Challenge. The day out to Aintree was fun and I loved racing the go kart.”
Peter Knapper, motor vehicle teacher at Tameside College said: “We did extremely well in the races considering this is the first time we have ever been involved with Greenpower. The West Hill students were really great and loved the whole project. Hopefully next year we can forge new links with more schools like we have this year.”
To see photos and video from the project and race day, visit the college Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tamesidecollege