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DESIGN TECHNOLGY . RUTHERFORD RACERS. How it began. In 2010 we built our first car The Griffin. Students spend 8 months working with staff to design and build a car powered by batteries to race at Bedford Autodrome for the Bedford Schools Grand Prix.
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DESIGN TECHNOLGY RUTHERFORD RACERS
How it began... • In 2010 we built our first car The Griffin. • Students spend 8 months working with staff to design and build a car powered by batteries to race at Bedford Autodrome for the Bedford Schools Grand Prix. • Skills and knowledge were developed of construction techniques, engineering, electronics, aero dynamics and motor skills.
In addition • Students learnt how to work as a team • Work with adults and their peers • Supporting each other was essential • this is what we built
In the first year of racing we qualified for the Greenpower National final at Goodwood. • We won the Bedford Schools Grand Prix • . We also won several trophies for innovative design, pit crew, and Best Newcomer of 2010 to the Greenpower National Final
In 2011 • The students took over the running of the team. • Encouraged new members and supported them • Had even more input into the design and construction of a second car • We are going to the finals again with two cars this year.
The future • Next year we would like to try and get even more students involved in designing a 3rd car. • Their are new regulations that need to be considered in the design which will offer challenges for the team. • To do this we need money as always but we also need the expertise and advise of local business and technical support.
Specifically • We would like to build a lighter car out of aluminium but need to be able to weld and source materials. • We would like to acquire radio mikes to enable the team to communicate on race days • We need new wheels and tyres • We would like to get helmets with radio head sets
We also need money to pay: Entry fees Transport costs Insurance costs Material Costs We can offer advertising and promotion by adding logos to the cars and trailer.