FOUR talented teenagers from a Coventry academy have taken the chequered flag after being crowned national champions in a Formula One competition.
Elias Khimasia, Eddie Hodierne, Abi Hirons, and Callum Kennedy – otherwise known as Academy Racing – won the UK championships of the annual F1 in Schools competition at the home of British motorsport in Silverstone.
The four team members, who are all students at WMG Academy for Young Engineers, 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 F1 in Schools challenge sees students from across the globe compete for the Bernie Ecclestone F1 in Schools World Championship trophy.
This involves using CAD/CAM computer software to design, manufacture, test, and race miniature Formula 1 cars.
The cars are powered by a small CO2 cylinder and can reach speeds of over 50mph on a 20 metre track.
Abi said: “When we won I was shocked.
“After the shock wore off I realised what we’d achieved was 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 more than 15 local businesses – including Coventry University, Suretrack, High Profile and the University of Warwick plus more.
Now the team needs to raise £12,000 to fund the trip to the world final in Kuala Lumpur this October.
Interested sponsors can email [email protected] to register their interest.
