Students take a step towards F1 in Singapore

CSSA Racing, a team of students from Childwall Sports and Science Academy in Liverpool, are one step closer to a place at this year’s F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore after taking second place in the Professional Class at the North West F1 in Schools STEM Challenge regional final.

The success has secured them a place at the UK national finals to be held on 19 and 20 March at the famous Silverstone race circuit in Northamptonshire. Winning at national level will bring CSSA Racing the opportunity to represent their country at the world finals. In addition, the F1 in Schools UK Champions and runners up will receive tickets to the 2018 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The competition, with three classes – entry, development and professional – challenges students to design, develop, manufacture and race a scale model Formula 1 racecar.

After a long day of competition with students presenting their work to a panel of judges, it was Storm Racing from Sandbach High School on the top step of the podium with CSSA Racing just one step lower. The Liverpool team also won the Team Identity Award.

First time competitors, CSSA Racing were thrilled to have won a place at the national final.
The team of 17-year-olds were led by David Odger, who said: “I am so happy about this, words can’t describe it, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. There are a lot of improvements that we need to make to our car and the other judging elements. We particularly need to make sure our car meets with the regulations.”

Andrew Denford, founder and chairman, F1 in Schools said: “There has been great work on display at the event and the students have all shown how a practical challenge can bring alive classroom learning and inspire them to prove themselves.

“It’s been tough for the judges with so much good work as all the teams put in strong performances with some great ideas and innovative designs. We look forward to seeing our winners at Silverstone in March.”