Shell Scottish Regional Heat
Sun 21 June 2009
The regional qualifying heats of the 2009 season got off to a flying start at the Grampian Motor Museum in Alford Aberdeenshire. A lot of hard work and promotion had been undertaken over the previous twelve months by Tech-Fest and sponsors Shell and the results were impressive with 22 cars confirmed for the event more than double last year’s entry. Thurso High School had certainly caught the Greenpower bug entering five teams this year.
The racing was fast a furious around the 0.25 mile circuit. Nearly all the teams seemed to encounter a few technical difficulties at some stage during the day from motors overheating to worn tyres needing replacing. The pit crews were certainly kept busy particularly the Alford Academy who never gave up and showed real determination an excellent spirit throughout the day even though they spent a good deal of time repairing their vehicle.
When the chequered flag finally fell after four hours it was Thurso High School’s Roadrunner who took first place, closely followed by the team from Grampian Transport Museum Young Engineers and in third Electronicals from Tarbert Academy. All the top three cars broke last years record of 61.25 miles by a minimum of 10 miles showing the incredible improvement in the cars just over one year.
We look forward to welcoming the three qualifiers down to Goodwood in October and can’t wait to see all the teams from Scotland again in 2010.
Supplementary Awards:
Best Newcomer - Tarbert Academy
IMechE Best Engineered Car - Kingussie High School
Best Presented Team - GTM Young Engineers
IoM3 Innovative Use of Recycled Materials - Bankhead Academy, Bankhead Blazer