College’s ‘green’ racing team gets sponsorship

STAFF at a Southam supermarket are helping pupils at Southam College go the distance in the next generation of their ‘green’ racing car Thunderbug.

Workers at Tesco in the Kineton Road last month presented a donation to the school towards the development of its next car.

Southam College has taken part in a challenge set by the Greenpower Educational Trust to design, build and race electric cars against teams from all over the country since 2006.

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The trust works with engineering companies and institutions to inspire young people to work in engineering and this year there are expected to be more than 200 teams participating.

Pupils are currently developing a new car for the 2011-12 season, known as ‘Project X’, using computer aided design and tested with wind tunnel simulators.

The Greenpower cars are powered by a 24 volt motor and are allowed three pairs of 12 volt batteries in a four-hour endurance race, in which at least five drivers have to take turns driving.

Sponsors fund the materials, components, transport and race fees, and Southam College’s team of pupils aged between 11 and 16 has qualified for the national finals at Goodwood in two of the past three seasons, coming 29th in October after travelling 88.8 miles.

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