Move Over Red Bull Racing! Schools GP Schowcases Young Talent at Bedford Autodrome

On Sunday I was at the Bedford Autodrome in Thurleigh to cheer on the teams of schoolchildren competing in the third Bedford Schools Grand prix. The Schools Grand Prix is a fantastic event. It is the culmination of a process which sees local schools design and build an electric car, before racing them against each other in the prestigious surroundings of the Autodrome.

In addition to creating the car itself, the process involves a full range of the tasks undertaken by a professional motor racing team including creating a website for the team, putting together a pit crew to assist with driver and battery changes, publicity and providing hospitality for guests on raceday. As you can imagine, this range of activities involves elements from across the school curriculum, and involves as many children as possible, whatever their particular interests or talents. In addition to the prize for the team winning the race, there were awards on the day for all the different elements involved.

It was a really enjoyable day, and no-one could fail to be hugely impressed by the efforts of all the children involved. In particular, some of the engineering talent involved was remarkable and bodes well for the future! Congratulations go to all the schools involved, with a special mention for the prizewinners, who are listed in full below:

Overall 1st for most laps completed - Bedford High School for Girls

Overall 2nd for most laps completed - Mark Rutherford Upper School

Overall 3rd for most laps completed - Mark Rutherford Upper School

Fastest lap achieved - Bedford High School for Girls

Most reliable car - Bedford High School for Girls

Most interesting technology - Redbourne Upper School

Best pit stop - St Thomas More Catholic Upper School

Best looking car - Mark Rutherford Upper School

Best presented crew - Biddenham International School and Sports College

Best publicity campaign - Bedford Modern School

Best hospitality catering - Bedford Girls' School

Best commentators - Bedford Academy

Special thanks are due to Jonathan Palmer of MotorSport Vision, who enables this fantastic event to take place at the Autodrome and gives local children and young people a unique opportunity to be a part of this special event.