Greenpower Event Report – 7th July 2010

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com

Words: Leanne Fahy

Photos:- whatnonegatives.com

Croft Circuit is known for the vast array of events they hold throughout the year. Wednesday 7th July was no different, as the Greenpower electric car challenge returned to Croft for another year, giving school pupils across the UK the chance to prove their engineering skills.

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com

The Greenpower electric car challenge has been running for some time, and is very much an annual part of Croft’s timetable. With rounds of the challenge held throughout the country, including as far apart as Cornwall, Goodwood and Aberdeenshire, it has also become an integral part of many schools.

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com

This year at Croft we were presented with a great turn-out of entrants and supporters, with each school bringing with them enough supporting action anyone could be envious of.

Three different events were taking place throughout the day, with primary school pupils contesting their ‘Goblin’ cars, and the high school pupils competing in the Formula 24 and Formula 24+ categories. The last few years has seen the Sandbach high School, from Cheshire, place highly in the final standings. The school have been staking their claim to Greenpower since 2003, and first claimed the Formula 24 title in 2008, while the Formula 24+ title came to them in 2009. Their previous car, named ‘Brian’ was out in action in both events today, whilst their new popularly Gulf liveried ‘Zebedee’ car was also giving stiff competition to their rivals.

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com

Another school returning for another year was the locally-based King James’s school, from Knaresborough. The school is famously known for the well-known Moore pupils, with Nigel, Sarah and David all attending at some point. The Moore’s also played their part in the Greenpower scheme, with Sarah taking the role as driver in her early career.

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com

After getting the chance to speak to many of the competitors, it’s clear to see how involved the pupils get with the project, with many spending as many waking hours possible working on their pride and joy. Bob Carter, who is involved with the Sandbach team, summed up the atmosphere perfectly, “We love coming to Croft. It’s a great circuit and a good day out, plus all of the staff and marshals are always really friendly and helpful here.”After getting the chance to speak to many of the competitors, it’s clear to see how involved the pupils get with the project, with many spending as many waking hours possible working on their pride and joy. Bob Carter, who is involved with the Sandbach team, summed up the atmosphere perfectly, “We love coming to Croft. It’s a great circuit and a good day out, plus all of the staff and marshals are always really friendly and helpful here.”

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com

The feeling from Bob seemed to be a mutual feeling around the paddock, as crowds of people carrying smiles filled the pitlane, grandstand and spectator banking. Who knows some of these pupils could be a Ross Brawn of the future.

Croft Greenpower - photo by whatnonegatives.com