Student engineers heading for Silverstone

Jun 24 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

ENGINEERING students from Newcastle University yesterday unveiled a racing car set to compete in an international competition at Silverstone next month.

The six-strong team designed and built the 600cc single seater car as part of their undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.

Led by 22-year-old Sally Nicholson, who was named Young Woman Engineer of the Year in February, they will now take the car to the home of the British Grand Prix where they will compete against 80 other student teams from around the world.

The annual Formula Student event challenges engineering students to conceive, design and build a single-seater racing car and race it against the clock.

Weighing 250kg, the car is fitted with a Ducati Monster air cooled engine which has been modified for fuel injection and can potentially reach speeds of up to 90mph.

Ms Nicholson said: “I don’t think any of us can quite believe we’ve finally completed the car and we’re ready to race it – it’s so exciting. It’s been fun and given us some valuable hands-on experience to back up our degrees.”

The car will be tested on its acceleration, manoeuvrability and endurance while the team will give presentations on the car’s design, cost and a potential marketing strategy.

Project supervisor Dr Jack Hale said: “This project has allowed an outstanding group of students to show their ability beyond the normal academic forum.”