Littlehampton Goblins 2012

Littlehampton Goblins Report:

With constant rain for the previous few weeks, it was with delight that the Greenpower team arrived at Banjo Road, Littlehampton to the bright sunshine that was to stay with the event for the whole day.  The first eager teams arrived at 8am to get the best spot in the paddock and from then on a steady stream of Goblins came through the gates. With all cars passing scrutineering the events were soon underway, and a gathering crowd lined the fencing around the site. The slalom was a test of driving skill, and there was definitely stacks of it! It was the car from Plaistow and Kirdford that came out top, a wonderful result considering this is their first year entering. They were followed closely by Newick Primary School and St Marys Climping (car 4).Meanwhile the drag race was also underway. The straight line race to test out car set up and overall speed was a hard fought battle.  However it was the two St Marys Climping cars came out on top in first and second place swiftly followed by car 9 from River Beach.

With the morning events swiftly over, it was onto the afternoons sprint racing. This consisted of 3 lap races around the whole car park. The winner form each heat would go through into the semi-final. The first Semi-final consisted of Summerlea Primary school (car 15), River Beach Primary (car 9) and Pennthorpe Primary (car 2). It was a close fought battle with some fantastic driving, however only one of these cars could go through to the final and it was car 15 from Summerlea that pipped the rest to the post. The second semi-final was between Downsbrook Middle School, Car 4 from St Marsy Climping and car 17 from Arundel CofE Primary. The race was fast and furious but with Downsbrook failing to finish it was car 4 from St Marys who went through to the final. The final was a six lap race, and the cars were very evenly matched. The driving was fantastic and the crowds waited on tender hooks as the cars sped away to the first corner. Tussling for first place both drivers showed exceptional skill. At the chequered flag it was the St Marys Climping car who took first place, but both cars received a huge cheer as they returned to the pits.

With the events over it was down to the prise giving and the additional awards. Best Presented Team went to River Beach, Best Bodywork went to St Philips Catholic School, Greenest Bodywork went to Arundel CofE Primary and Spirit of Greenpower went to Orchards Middle School. The Portfolio Award went to Rustington Primary and the overall winners of the day were St Marys Climping car 4.

Greenpower would like to thank all the schools for their cooperation and good spirit throughout the day, we would also like to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who help make the day possible, with special thanks for Sara Hopkins and her team. Final we would like to thank the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for their support of the project and the Littlehampton Academy. We look forward to seeing you all soon!