‘Superformance’ at Goodwood International Finals

After an early 5.30am meet at RGS Worcester’s Design & Technology Department, we took the school minibus to the Goodwood race track for the Greenpower International Finals event. This event is by invitation only and one in which you have to qualify. Having secured qualification at Croft Circuit back in June, the team were eager to race again.

On arrival, we found our paddock and unpacked the car at the iconic race track. The racing began in the form of a practice session which enabled us to observe performance with a newly fitted sprocket, with the aim of improving our gear ratio. Greenpower involves distance covered in a period of time rather than top speed with the winner being the car to travel the furthest distance over four 20-minute races, without a battery change.

After the practice session, we had a bit of a wait until the older category (F24+) raced. This gave the opportunity for teams to discuss and share ideas. A number of teams were curious about our car and its setup, and so it was nice to chat with others about their ideas.

After a team parade, Emily Jackson (Year Eight) was in the driving seat ready for the first race. All drivers were anxious at the start with 61 cars lined up to start at the same time! Other drivers on the day were: Emma Harris, Daisy Atkins and Poppy Parker (Year Eight). They were ably assisted by Olivia Hodgson, Sophie Jackson, (Year Ten) and Grace Norris (Year Eight).

Testament to plenty of hard work and tinkering on the car leading up to the race, ‘Superformance’ performed brilliantly with no mechanical or electrical issues throughout the day. This allowed the drivers to race to their full abilities. With all the distances totalled after the four races we finished a brilliant 8th out of 61 qualified cars. This is a fantastic achievement and one of the School’s best positions for a number of years, in a highly competitive field.

Huge thanks must go to Mr Holt who is tireless in his efforts to continue to improve, update and upgrade the car. Our thanks must also go to Mr Boss for endless enthusiasm and help throughout the Greenpower season. We look forward to a new season ahead.

Mr Gwilym Batchelder 

Head of Design and Technology