Congratulations to Nova Racing, overall runners-up (Development Class) in the ‘F1 in Schools’ National Finals 2020. The event, postponed from April, took place on Saturday 26 September live from Denford HQ. Our team of Sixth Form DTE students also scooped the sought-after award for Best Engineered Car and were nominated for the Portfolio Award.

Kimbolton’s team of six - Molly, Charles, Ewan, Libby, Joseph and Hannah – qualified for the event after winning the East Anglia Regional Final back in January. (This victory completed a hat-trick for Kimbolton; our teams have won the regional stage three years in a row, first entering the competition in 2018).

At the National Final, Nova Racing impressed judges with their 11-page design & engineering portfolio, use of CAD/CAM technologies and the quality of manufacture of both cars submitted. Award sponsor Mr Mike Westlake, Autodesk Global Strategy Manager, said: “Every year the standard of design and manufacture increases and just gets better and better. This year was no exception.”

The F1 in Schools challenge involves teams from schools across the UK and runs internationally in over 40 countries around the world. The competition involves computer aided 3-D design (CAD/CAM software), testing, engineering, manufacture and racing of miniature compressed air-powered balsa wood F1 cars. Teams must also raise sponsorship and manage budgets to fund their research, travel and accommodation.

DTE teacher Mr Nick Ellis said: “This is the first time Kimbolton has achieved a national podium finish – for Nova Racing to get second place in the country is a phenomenal achievement. F1 in Schools is a great opportunity for our L6th Form students to learn about STEM-related subjects and gives them a head start in the world of design and engineering. We already have three new teams revving up for the 2021 season … watch this space!"

• Click below to watch footage from the event.