Norwich High School for Girls once again took to the race track with their very own electric car as they competed in the Formula 24 Greenpower heat at Lotus Hethel.

The event was part of a project from Greenpower Education Trust, helping to inspire young people to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths through a unique challenge: to design, build and race an electric car.

Norwich High last competed in 2021 and since then the car has had some major improvement work and there is a whole new student team in place. The team is made up from students in Years 9-11, with previous team member Megan (Year 12) acting as a mentor for the new racers.

This year we welcomed new sponsors through Mark Andrews Joinery and Ideal Joinery & Kitchens, which has allowed the team to upgrade the existing car, including the electronics, using Mr Jones’ expertise. The car now boasts a new steering system and power system.

The team has been working towards the annual Lotus Hethel Heat which took place on Sunday 25th June. Our car, the ‘silver duck’, was scrutinised for safety and every aspect was checked, measured and tested with the students coordinating that process with the race official.

There were certainly some nerves as the teams took to the track, but they benefited from the experienced guidance of their team mentor, Megan, who had raced at Hethel before. An hour of practice laps was first up, with time to iron out any problems and get some driving experience before the two official races later in the day. The car performed well; the team worked together on some impressive pit stops and driver changes.

The two races entailed 90 minutes of race time with three drivers, meaning two pit stops. With allocated job roles, the team took all of this in their stride, helping and supporting each other, motivating the driver and aiding other teams when needed. Our car performed well, initial laps were impressively fast times and the team made it to the end of both races with battery remaining.

The spirit of the day was positive, enthusiastic with an air of competitive collaboration. Our team were supportive of each other, motivated and determined. The team are already discussing ideas on how to enhance the car for next season and we look forward to opening up some team spaces in September to next year’s Year 9 students.

Thank you to our sponsors Mark Andrews Joinery and Ideal Joinery & Kitchens for their support this year, allowing us to upgrade the car in many ways and provide team garments to provide a professional appearance on race days. Finally, a thank you to Mr Jones and Mr Grapes for their support of the team and all the work that they have done to help get to race day.