This weekend, All Saints Academy Plymouth's GreenPower Racing Team proudly represented their school at the prestigious International GreenPower Finals held at the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit. GreenPower is a global initiative that challenges school children to design, build, and race electric single-seat race cars. After securing a podium finish in their last race, the All Saints team, consisting of 12 students aged 11 to 15, qualified for the finals, placing them in the top 15% of schools nationwide.

Racing at the historic Goodwood circuit was an awe-inspiring experience for the young team. Known for its rich motorsport history, the venue provided a thrilling backdrop as 130 teams from across the UK and abroad gathered to make final adjustments to their GreenPower cars. The All Saints team arrived well-prepared after a restful stay at a local bunkhouse, equipped with knowledge and strategies to handle the smooth and fast turns of the famous track.

The finals featured two intense 90-minute races, requiring teams to execute driver changes twice throughout each race. All the students had the opportunity to both drive and support as part of the pit crew, showcasing teamwork and collaboration. The event gave the students a chance to observe and evaluate the best GreenPower cars on display, gaining valuable insights into design innovations and performance enhancements.

The objective of the competition is to cover as much distance as possible, with a focus on developing efficient, lightweight, and aerodynamic cars. The All Saints team demonstrated exceptional composure under pressure, executing swift pit lane driver changes and addressing technical issues with impressive problem-solving skills. Their teamwork and determination, honed over a season of races, were evident throughout the event.

Paige, aged 12, shared her excitement: "It was so exhilarating driving on such a smooth and famous track. Our cars managed to stay fast until the very end, and I loved overtaking so many other talented teams. I’m excited to be part of the team next year, and I can’t wait to see how we can make the cars even faster."

In their first appearance at the international finals, the All Saints team achieved an impressive 27th place out of 49 in their class. Energized by the experience, they returned from the weekend with a host of ideas for further engineering development.

As the new season begins, a freshly selected team is ready to take on the challenge, following a rigorous application process. The academy extends its gratitude to Plymouth City Bus for their continued support, making these incredible opportunities possible for the students.