She stormed past the chequered flag just over a minute behind the winning driver after flying round the purpose built track in Battersea Park.
The FE Schools Series race was the supporting event for the London leg of the inaugural FIA Formula E series – the world’s first fully electric racing event.
Lexie’s driving performance was so impressive she caught the attention of Steven Lu, Team Principal of Formula E’s Team China. As a result, Mr Lu has invited her to visit Team China’s headquarters in Beijing during the summer.
Only ten London-based schools were originally allowed to enter the schools’ event, but the officiating Greenpower Education Trust allowed two extra for London – the last race in the series. Truro High’s Head of Science and Green Power team manager, Jon Dean, was informed his team could enter if they found a car and collaborated with a London school. Jon succeeded with both.
Through LinkedIn, the business-oriented social networking site, he made contact with the Harris Academy Morden, South London, and a successful partnership was forged. It was agreed that Lexie would drive supported by a pit crew of three pupils from the Harris Academy and Lexie’s fellow Truro High pupil, Chloe White, 15.
“It’s been a fantastic experience for everyone concerned, said Jon. “Lexie was one of only three female drivers and we were the only team from outside London to be included in the event.
“There were some tense moments on a very difficult track resulting in suspension damage and a puncture during practice, but Lexie and the pit crew rose magnificently to the challenge.”
The FIA Formula E Championship includes eleven races in ten cities in Europe, Asia, North and South America. Formula E’s official School Series supported the main race in five cities, including London. In each location teams of local school children, aged 11 to 16, were invited to compete. They built their own mini electric race cars and raced on the full-size Formula E track. The purpose of the schools’ races was to promote the subjects of sustainable engineering and technology amongst young people and let them experience the thrill of racing on the same inner-city street circuits as the stars of Formula E.
“It was a privilege to be a part of the first Formula E series and the experience has inspired us all to work even harder with the schools fleet of Green Power cars,” said Jon.
