Four talented teenagers from WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry have taken the chequered flag after being crowned national champions in a Formula 1 competition.
Elias Khimasia (15), Eddie Hodierne (17), Abi Hirons (16) and Callum Kennedy (16) – otherwise known as Academy Racing, won the UK championships of the annual F1 in Schools competition at Silverstone. The four team members, are now heading to the world championships in Malaysia to compete against teams from 44 countries.
Callum said:
The competition was amazing – a real life changing experience. We have never worked so hard in our lives but it all came good in the end.
The competition sees students from all over the globe compete for the Bernie Ecclestone F1 in Schools World Championship trophy. This involves using CAD/CAM computer software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature F1 cars. The cars are powered by a small CO2 cylinder and can reach speeds of over 50mph over a 20m track.
Abi talked about her astonishment of the team winning the race:
When we won I was shocked. Then after the shock wore off I realised that what we’d achieved was absolutely amazing! I’m really looking forward to going to the world championships in Malaysia.
As well as the national title, Academy Racing also won the trophy for the fastest car. The winning team received support and sponsorship from over 15 local businesses including; Autins, Cov Con, Coventry University, GRM, High Profile, I2m, JLR, Lear, LTF, Squires Gears, Suretrack, WMG, WMG Academy, Warwick EDM and the University of Warwick.
WMG Academy Coventry offers students the chance to study science, technology, engineering and maths in a purpose-built centre featuring a state-of-the-art workshop, 3D printers and the latest design software. The academy also boasts its own Jaguar car and works in partnership with the University of Warwick and businesses to provide students with a career-based education.
Academy Racing now needs to raise £12,000 to fund the trip to the world final in Kuala Lumpur in October. Anyone wishing to offer donations or sponsorship can contact the academy at info@wmgacademy.org.uk.
For more information on WMG Academy Coventry, please visit: www.coventry.wmgacademy.org.uk