On Sunday 25 May 2025, the Norwich Phoenix team returned to the iconic Lotus Hethel track for an exciting day of racing. The team arrived bright and early at 7:30 AM, looking sharp in their brand-new team kit and ready for the day ahead.

After successfully passing scrutineering, the team gathered to confirm driver positions and finalise pit lane responsibilities. Months of hard work and preparation had brought us to this moment, and there was a buzz of anticipation throughout the group.

The morning practice session gave everyone a chance to adjust to the improved car and get comfortable sharing the track with other vehicles. For some of our drivers, it was a valuable opportunity to build confidence behind the wheel. Pit changeovers were also practised, and the whole team worked smoothly together. Our transponder was not functioning during the practice session, which meant our improved performance went unnoticed. That may have given us a quiet advantage heading into the first race.

Following a quick battery change and a short debrief, the team lined up for Race 1. Excitement was high as this was our first time racing the new iteration of our car after two years with the previous model. Polly, Saskia, and Jess drove steady and consistent laps. The pit stops were executed with precision, and the team worked like a well-oiled machine.

As the 90-minute race progressed, our car maintained its pace while other teams began to slow down due to battery wear. With each lap, we climbed higher in the rankings. Our final driver completed our 16th lap and crossed the line to meet the race officials. The result: 4th place.

Back at the trailer, the team immediately got to work preparing for Race 2. Batteries were replaced, minor adjustments made, and final tactics discussed. There was a real sense of pride in how the car had performed. The upgrades had clearly made an impact and even caught the attention of other teams, who were curious about our narrowed wheelbase and reworked motor housing.

In the afternoon, Amelia, Jess, and Saskia took the wheel for Race 2. This time, the focus was on conserving battery life without compromising speed. The new freewheel system helped reduce power consumption, and the drivers paced themselves carefully.

Pit stops were even more efficient this time around. A special mention goes to Esme for her impressive power walking in the pit lane. Juno, Ava, Emily, and Varsini all contributed with quick, coordinated teamwork that made sure no time was wasted. 

Despite increased competition and more teams managing their battery usage effectively, we held our pace and completed another solid performance. We finished in a very close 5th place.

Our combined results placed Norwich Phoenix 5th overall, just missing the podium by the narrowest of margins. The entire team was thrilled having finished 16th last year. The progress made with the car and the professionalism shown by every team member made this our most exciting race day yet.

It was also a pleasure to connect with other teams. Seeing our friends from local schools, sharing support, and celebrating one another’s successes added to the positive spirit of the day. Congratulations to Town Close for taking first place and to Langley for securing second.

Our success would not have been possible without the incredible support we have received:

• Simon Hill from Specialist Control Systems, for his sponsorship, technical knowledge, time and negotiations with Lotus to let us test the car. As well as his team who have helped to get the car up and running again.
  
• NHSA, for generous funding that allowed us to upgrade the car and the team kit.
  
• Chris Abel from Electric Wheels, for his battery expertise, sponsorship and continued support.
  
• Our parents, who have been fantastic in helping with logistics, lifting the car about, and cheering us on!
  
• Mr Grapes and Mr Jones, our outstanding technicians and F24 legends, who always go above and beyond.
  

Norwich Phoenix is proud of what we achieved on race day. And we’re not finished yet. With more racing opportunities on the horizon, we look forward to what the rest of the season might bring. 

We will be opening limited spaces in the team from September to those in current L4 who may like to join us; if you have an interest in motorsport, engineering or driving, speak to Mrs Ryan if you would like more information.