ENTHUSIASTIC students are loving life in the fast lane after qualifying for the national finals of a motor racing design competition.

Wilmslow High School A-level pupils entered the Lenovo F1 in Schools challenge by designing and constructing their own mini F1 racing car.

The team, called Exhausted Racing, took part in the north west regional final at Bolton University last month and now compete in the national finals in March.

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Housebuilder Jones Homes has donated £450 to support the students in the professional class of the competition.

The company, who is building new homes in the town, covered the team’s entry fees when they entered the development class last year and paid £250 towards their expenses for the national finals.

Simon Whalley, sales director at Jones Homes North West, in Alderley Edge, said: “The dedication, ingenuity and enthusiasm that these teenage students bring to the table when preparing for and competing in this challenge is truly inspirational.

“This competition is a fantastic way for students to learn science, technology, engineering and maths related subjects through a connection with the exciting adrenaline-fuelled world of F1.

“It was a pleasure to continue our support and sponsorship of Exhausted Racing, who showed what they have to offer by finishing an impressive fifth out of 33 teams representing England, Scotland and Wales last year.

“We now wish them the best for when they take part in the national finals later this year.”

As part of the project, teams design their vehicle with computer aided design software, then analyse, make, and test their vehicle.

Students are encouraged to collaborate with industry experts and make links with businesses, raising sponsorship and developing a budget.

Student Jack Shaw, project manager for Exhausted Racing, said: “We are proud to announce that we took home the first place trophy for the regional finals and will be progressing to the national finals that will take place in Rotherham in early March.

“We have also had the opportunity to mentor some of the younger teams from our school who took home first place in the entry class and third place in the development class.

“As well as this, as a school we were awarded the pit display award, sponsorship and marketing award and the best engineered car for our entry class team.

“We would like to thank Jones Homes for their sponsorship and support throughout our racing journey and we look forward to working with the company again in the future.”