Btec Motor Vehicle Motorsport students put their hard work to the test, literally, as they took a rally car that they have been building since September 2013 to a local race course.
The six students, alongside their teacher Mr Houghton, took the vehicle to the 3 Sisters Race Circuit in Wigan. Mr Houghton raced the car whilst the pupils were responsible for “on event servicing”.
This is one of the modules that make up the two year course and is similar to working in an F1 pit stop as the students have a timed period to check the car over and change the tyres before the rally car goes out onto the next rally stage. This part of the course helps to build up practical skills, knowledge and understanding motor vehicle technology
Mr Houghton said: “This is a real life situation that cannot be simulated in a classroom with real life consequences and is an essential part of preparing the students for careers in Motorsport. They learn the need for quality and accurate work under pressure in a given time frame. They also have to consider health and safety implications not only for themselves but for the driver and co-driver who depend on in their workmanship when to car is being tested to its limits.”
This was the second visit to this race circuit for the students. Their first visit was to marshal a stage rally to learn how these events are organised, the format and the timing system of stage rallying. They also visited race venues, took part in marshalling and helped set up stage rally events. They also visited the NEC Motorsport show in January.
Btec student Josh said: “The Rally was a great experience and we all developed our teamwork and practical skills”.
The students had rehearsed setting up a temporary workshop and the vehicle checks required on the school site in preparation for the visit.
Fellow student Harrison added: “It was a fun real life experience and interesting to see how we could alter the cars performance and handling on the track as we went along”.
Steve Davies, the co-driver at the rally, said “The car preformed faultlessly all day, it was a credit to the students. They also did a fantastic job especially when it started raining and they had to alter the car set up quickly. I was very impressed with their practical and professional attitude.”
Students will continue work on the course again in September 2014. The pupils have six units to cover over the two years including brakes, suspension, transmission and steering which involves practical and theory sessions.
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Students rally round to achieve Btec Motorsport success
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