Grey skies and heavy clouds hung over Silverstone as the Formula Schools Team arrived for set up early on 14th June; good job they had put out wet weather contingency warnings to the competing schools. Today would be a great test not only of driving ability but how well schools were prepared to face different conditions. As soon as the Exhibitors and schools began to arrive however, it was obvious that everyone was as geared up as ever for a great day and that determination to achieve would not be dampened by a bit of rain or even the constant threat of it.


The second year of the Building Bridges Project saw some interesting developments.
The expansion of the project led by the first year schools was carried out by marketing through a stand at the leading national technology show during November 2006. Examples of work done by schools on the stand provoked significant interest from independent and state schools alike.

Whilst the Building Bridges Races go at a far slower pace, the experience of the spectator is equally as nail-biting as watching any of the other events, as the all-terrain vehicles tip-toe round the obstacle course they have designed. Imaginations clearly ran wild this year as schools show cased creative features such as ball pools, suspension bridges, water jumps and many more.

The existing partnerships all continued and developed their work, with Bloxham and Warriner very much leading in terms of maximising opportunities for pupils and staff to benefit from the scheme. New partnerships included Heathermount Learning Centre, Wycombe Abbey Girls School with Cressex school, Seaford College and Bishop Luffa, Magdalen College Oxford and Oxford Community School.

The Electric Challenge has become as competitive as the IC class. Every year we see improvements in all areas of this class from design of vehicles and reliability, to driver skill on the track and technical know how in the pit lanes. This may in no small part be due to the fact that an increasing number of schools and colleges are doing this challenge as part of the curriculum in GCSE, PEO or NVQ courses. As ever, St.Paul’s Catholic School have been innovative; this year coming prepared to show us a track action view of the races with a small camera mounted onto the actual car. Sadly, the weather conditions adversely affected the outcome, but what a fantastic idea and let’s hope St.Paul’s continue to come up with fresh ideas next year.

The IC challenge, if possible was the best ever. This is a phrase we seem to have to adopt each year, but with good reason, as every aspect of the competition is given maximum attention by both Expert and Rookie Schools. The Race Day displays were outstanding this year and once again judges were bowled over by the depth of knowledge that students had; as they were too by the ability of drivers on the track. Did you notice how busy the Marshals were for example this year? That is because more cars are completing the races, even the Grand Prix Final; clearly a combination of superb driving skills, good technical knowledge of how to maximise vehicle performance and most importantly, an ability to keep cool working under pressure!

The Careers Village again proved a success – so much to see and do! We were pleased to welcome back our supporters from education such as Aimhigher, The Learning Grid, and Brooklands, Brunel, Brookes and Hertfordshire Universities, our friends from the world of Motorsport such as the MIA, Prodrive, Renault F1, Williams F1 and the Silverstone Innovation Centre. From Industry we welcomed back companies such as Boxford, Techsoft UK, and The Smallpeice Trust and from the Armed Forces, the RAF, Navy, the Royal Engineers and REME. We also saw some new faces from all the above sectors including Didcot Power Station, and Lola Cars. Next year sees the 50th Anniversary of Lola and they intend to be a much bigger and grander presence on Race Day so we all look forward to that.
All of the stands were both interesting and highly informative and the interactive nature of many of them kept us all busy, and especially the students, between races.

All in all, another great day and a truly spectacular performance from all of those involved in this Competition at every level.