Our student-led motorsport Rallycross team returned from their latest races, having clinched two national titles for the second year in a row!
Heading into the last round of the BTRDA Clubman’s Rallycross Championship season, the two-car College Motorsport team made the long trip north to the home of Scottish motorsport, Knockhill.
With a total of thirteen students and staff on board, the team were ready to put into practice the theory and practical skills developed over the past year studying on the Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Motorsport course.
The cars, which are built and maintained by Motorsport learners as part of their studies, allow students the chance to experience a real-life working environment and helps to prepare for their next steps into apprenticeships, employment, or further studies.
Motor Vehicle Curriculum Manager David Wappat, who was in attendance praised the team sharing, “I’m so proud to see the team working together so well, they have enjoyed so much success this year, and deserve to do so for their hard work. Both the staff and students work relentlessly to make this programme one of the highest regarded within the UK.”
Despite the time of year, the track stayed bathed in sunshine all day, allowing the team to enjoy the last race of the 2023 season without the added complication of rain, but the pressure was still on to perform.
Both the team and drivers kept their cool, with students working hard throughout the day making sure both cars were maintained to the highest standards to allow drivers, lecturers Alex Fletcher and Gary Cook to perform at their best.
Despite nail-biting racing, our drivers came through, not only winning their championships but taking the title on the day as well. Driver of the College Honda Civic Type R, Alex Fletcher also achieved a clean sweep of results with three heat wins and the all-important final win.
Reflecting on the team’s many triumphs, Alex shared, “It’s been a brilliant season for both the team and the wider course. We work so hard to provide the most engaging and comprehensive Motorsport course available. I’m so pleased of what our students have achieved by building a car capable of bringing home the championship for a second year in a row!”
Student Fin Lowthian added, “Both Gary and Alex performed really well and its really amazing how they can change from Lecturer to championship wining racing drivers in seconds! We are all so happy to be working on a winning team!’
Congratulations to the team who are 2023 ‘Production’ and ‘Super Modified’ Champions!