Inspiring a new generation of engineers and racing drivers

The students built the vehicles themselves at the University of Brighton’s Formula 24 Saturday Club, which has been running since January at the university’s new Advanced Engineering Building.

Thirty local school pupils between 11 and 16 were tutored by academics from the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics with additional help from student ambassadors.

Johanna Harris, Outreach Coordinator at the university’s Moulsecoomb campus, ran the club. She said the schoolchildren picked up valuable skills since starting the course in January: “They have learnt about aerodynamics, automotive and mechanical engineering and experienced working in the university alongside current students.

“Huge thanks go to our amazing student ambassadors and engineering technicians who worked so hard to inspire a future generation of budding engineers and racing drivers.

The F24 Saturday Club team at Goodwood

“We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

Richard Morris, Principal Lecturer in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, lent his expertise to the project.

He said: “The F24 Saturday Club is a great opportunity for kids to get a feel for engineering and to experience exactly the same kind of challenges that professional racing teams face.

“I’m impressed with the way they learn and rise to the challenge, and with the way our own University students engage with and help them.

“Who can’t then be thrilled to see the outcome of this work as 90 competing cars whizz down the starting straight together at Goodwood race track?”

For more information on the university’s outreach events, visit the Compact Events.