IET Formula Goblin - Teachers - Q & A

Q. How long does it usually take to build the Goblin?

A. We say as an average 15 hours. However this will vary depending on how much help the children receive and any obstacles they encounter.

Q. What do we do if we have a problem whilst building the Goblin?

A. Give us a call on 01243 552305 and we will do our best to solve the problem.

Q. Where can we get replacement parts for our Goblin from?

A. You can get them from The Greenpower Centre. We supply all parts for the Goblin (except bodywork) If you drop us an e-mail to hannah@greenpower.co.uk then we will sort you out with the parts you need

Q. What is the best material to use for the Goblin bodywork?

A. Well, you can make your bodywork out of anything you want. Many schools choose corrugated plastic as it is light but strong and fairly easy to come by. However if you are going for the Greenest car award then you may choose anything from socks to CD’s or paper. The choice is completely yours, all you have to do is make sure the front and sides are covered (especially the panel by the drive belt).

Q. What do the competitors need to wear when they are racing?

A. The competitors need to wear long sleeved tops and long trousers; they can alternatively wear long sleeved overalls. They need to have a full faced helmet, or a helmet with chin protection, such as a trials bike helmet. Normal bicycle helmets are not allowed. If the competitors are wearing a motorbike helmet without a visor then they will need goggles. They will also need full fingered gloves.

Q. How do we charge our batteries?

A. You need to obtain a battery charger that is limited to 14.1 volts charging rate, as the batteries need to be trickle charged. Most battery chargers have a slow or trickle charge setting and if you get stuck Greenpower supply battery chargers at £25. Remember: Never leave them discharged and remove them from the charger as soon as charging is complete.

Q. Can the batteries be charged in the car?

A. Yes, the batteries need to be charged in series as you would connect them in the car. The charger should attach to the positive on one battery and negative on another on the rear terminals of the batteries. The front two terminals on the batteries also need to be connected together. This can either be done by simply using a wire, or if your Goblin has a front isolator switch then the wires from this will already be connected to it, in which case all you need to do is make sure your front isolator switch is turned on.

Q. How do we enter events?

A. You need to enter through this website. By going to the events calendar page you will see which events are open to receive entries.

Q. Once I have entered an event, how will I know if I have got an entry?

A. once you have entered online you will be added to the entry list, and you will not have to do anything further. If you would like to check that we have received your entry then you can give us a ring on 01243 552305 and we can let you know. Approximately three weeks before the event the final event regulations will be sent around for you to read. This will tell you all you need to know about the event/ how it will run and what you need to do.

Q. What is the usual format of the events?

A. The event format does differ slightly depending on where the event is and how many entries there are. However, there are usually three disciplines at each event, a gated slalom, a drag race and sprint racing. At the gated slalom the driver must drive between cones set out to make gates. One car tackles the course at a time and they are against the clock. If any cones are hit then a time penalty of +3 seconds for each cone /gate missed is added onto the final time. At the end of a slalom there is a box which they have to stop in, if they fail to stop in the box then they get a +3 time penalty as well.

The drag race is a straight line race with either 2, 3 or 4 cars racing at one time (space depending) against the clock. The length of the slalom and drag race also vary depending on available space. These two events are usually run together in the first part of the day. Both the drag and the slalom must be completed 6 times by each car.

In the second part of the day a sprint race track is set up. The sprint race consists of multiple cars racing against each other, each heat is usually 3 laps and there is a longer final. Each car competes only once at this event unless they get through to the semi-finals/final.

Q. How are the points awarded and the overall winner decided on?

A.  The single fastest time for each car is taken for both the slalom and the drag race, these are then sorted from fastest to slowest and points are allocated. The fastest time will receive 1 point, the second fastest 2 points and so one. This is done for the slalom and drag separately. The points for the sprint race are allocated on finishing positions in the first set of heats. The cars who finish first receive 1 point, second place receives 2 points and so on. These three sets of points are then added together to give a final overall points score for each car. If a car/ team picks up one of the additional awards (Best Presented Team, Best Bodywork, Greenest Bodywork, Spirit of Greenpower) then they receive -2 points. At the end of the day it is the team with the lowest points who wins overall.

Q. During the events are we allowed to change/charge up our batteries?

A. No, during the Goblin events no battery changes or charging is permitted and it is not necessary. Anyone who is found charging or changing their batteries at an event could risk disqualification. 

Q. Will we get sent the results after the event?

A. Yes you will get sent a list of the final results after the event so you can see where your team came and they will appear on this website too.

Q. Where can you get overalls and helmets from?

A. Greenpower have a stock of small size helmets suitable for primary age children, however they do not have visors so goggles will need to be sourced from elsewhere. We do not supply overalls, however below are some useful links to race wear suppliers:

http://www.jaypeeworkwear.co.uk/acatalog/Childrens_Overalls.html

Q. What happens if we enter an event in advance, but then can’t make it on the day?

A. You can ring up the Greenpower office on 01243 552305 and let us know if it is after the closing date for entries. If before the closing date you can de-register for an event by logging into your account and visiting the events calendar page. Please be advised that if you pull out AFTER the entry list has closed then you will still be charged your entry fee.

Q. What are the closing dates for entering Goblin events?

A. Closing dates for entering the Goblin events are listed on the event calendar page. All entries need to be in when the final regulations are sent out. Please note it is easier for us to remove you from the list of entrants than to add you.

Q. Is there a Greenpower risk assessment for the events?

A. Yes Greenpower has a general risk assessment for events; please click on the link to bring up this information.

Q. We would like to volunteer at a Greenpower event, how do we go about this?

A. Fantastic! Just drop our volunteer coordinator Mike an e-mail on mike@greenpower.co.uk and he can add you to the list for that event. We can’t run our events without volunteers so everyone’s help is much appreciated.