Against tough competition from nearly 600 pupils from primary schools all over the South West, the school’s Goblin cars – Soaring Eagle, Firebolt and Drastic Plastic – zoomed past the chequered flag in record time winning their budding Lewis Hamiltons gold in the drag and silver in the slalom race categories.
The engineers from the school’s Soaring Eagle team were especially pleased with the day’s efforts taking home the award for ‘greenest bodywork’. This special design category recognises the team that has made the upmost effort to make the outside of their car eco-friendly by using recycled materials.
Created from biodegradable canvas and string, the judges were extremely impressed by the girls’ innovative design as well as their clear understanding of the importance of doing their bit for the planet.
It was a day of thrills and spills at the race track which called for more than a few stops in the pits. Despite encountering challenges ranging from surprise burst tyres to disconnected batteries, the teams remained calm in the face of adversity in order to come out on top.
Even more impressive, this is only the second time the teams have competed at this regional competition.
Prep 6 driver Lola said: “Today was amazing! We all worked together so well as a team and it’s just so much fun driving cars. We’ve all had such a great time with Greenpower in Prep School – I can’t wait to join the teams in Year 7 next year!”
Truro High pupils have been building the cars at their weekly Greenpower Club since the autumn in preparation for the event which took place at Newquay Airport.
The IET Formula Goblin project aims to inspire children aged 9 – 11 years old to take an interest in engineering in a fun and innovative way. Each school is supplied with a kit car which has to be built by the team in the months leading up to race day. Cars are then entered into various categories for the chance of winning a Greenpower award.
The South West event is by far the biggest in the UK, incorporating almost half of Cornwall’s primary schools as well as schools from Devon and further afield.
“I am thrilled and delighted by today’s amazing results,” said Head of Prep Miss Annabel Ramsey. “It’s a testament to the girls’ commitment and enthusiasm not just today but right throughout the year. A big thank you must also go to all of our parent supporters who work tirelessly to make this project possible, we couldn’t do it without them!”
The teams would like to thank all their supporters including the RAF and Prep School parents especially Linus Surguy, Sally Jones, Matt Hosking, Jamie Findon and Steven Frankland who give hour after hour alongside maths teacher, Mark Burley, to ensure the teams are ready to hit the track.
The senior school’s Greenpower teams are also revving up for a busy season this June having just broken into the top 100 places in the country at their inaugural race of the season at Goodwood.
An astonishing achievement, the Kernow Kittz – which broke into the top 100 last season – now lies at number 61 and has been joined by the Green Goddess II which increased its position by 73 places to finish at number 70 in the UK.
With some planned improvements the girls are hoping to continue their winning streak as they drive towards their ultimate goal of racing in the international final at Rockingham Speedway.
