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 feesTransport costsInsurance costsMaterial Costs

We can offer advertising and promotion by adding logos to the cars and trailer.