Racing at Castle Coombe

Congratulations to our Embley Gryphons on completing their first F24 motorsport race at the Castle Coombe race circuit as part of the international Greenpower Challenge.

In September, Year 7 to 13 students worked together to build their electric racing car. As is the nature of motor sports, they have had to solve lots of mechanical problems, source missing parts, navigate confusing kit car instructions and work within complex racing regulations. Greenpower encourages dedication and determination to win, whilst innovating new solutions.

Haroon in Year 9 and a member of our Embley Gryphons, provides an insight into the day’s racing:

‘We arrived to Castle Combe Circuit last Sunday with optimism and apprehension; this was our first race ever and we didn’t know what to expect, plus we were surrounded by some really experienced teams. The first 90-minute practice session went as expected, with drivers getting track experience under their belt, in time for Race 1. Race 1 was when we hit our first real roadblock. The wire connecting the motor to the battery terminal had fried! Because this was something that we were not prepared for, another team thankfully stepped in to give us some help, replacing that wire with a new, more efficient one. We later discovered that the reason for this was overheating and too much power coming from the battery to the motor than it needed. We came through Race 2 with our heads held high and lots of mileage under our belts.

Despite the heat and pressures trackside, everyone remained calm when under pressure and worked amazingly together as a team, each taking on different responsibilities and sharing their expertise and knowledge of the car for the success of the team.

Going into next year, we look to solve many of the problems we encountered with implementation of cooling, an amp and volt meter, to control the amount of power sent to the motor. We also look to venture into new projects including F1 in Schools and Greenpower Goblin. 

Finally, on the behalf of the team we want to give a huge thanks to our sponsors: Groundsure, Forelle Estates and Moores Prime. Thank you also to the team Qinetiq for allowing us to use their facilities for pre-race practice. Without their help, this wouldn’t have been possible!

Looking back, I think it was worth waking up at 4:30 in the morning!’