Last Saturday saw the last heat in this year’s calendar before the school summer break. Two cars from Chipping Sodbury School travelled up to Darley Moor to compete against 26 other cars battling for one of the three qualifying places for the National Final.
The race started at 11am following the Sport Relief Mile (and a half !). It was a highly competitive race that had its incidents and temperatures soared causing many pink faces by the end of the day. However, it was all worthwhile as R-Pod took first place and the chequered flag at 5pm for the first time in its eight race history, ensuring it reached the final by right. Over the six-hour race it covered 96 laps of the 1.5 mile circuit covering a total of 144 miles.
The Alderley Flyer also completed the six hours – no mean feat on four car batteries. It completed 54 laps covering a total of 81 miles and now awaits completion of the other heats in September to see if it qualifies for the final as one of the furthest distance runner-ups.
Rotary Racer and R Pod entered their home heat on Sunday with high expectations, both cars have come within a whisker of Gold at recent races and Castle Combe would be their best chance yet. They did not disappoint, Rotary Racer “in its latest form” was flying, achieving 162.8 miles and a brilliant second place. R pod suffered fading batteries in the last part of the race but got the Gold with 151.7 miles and fourth place. Well done to both teams, a fantastic effort.
Lets not forget Chipping Sodburys other teams, S factor came within a whisker of a Bronze on their first outing with 99.9 miles, they might have achieved a Silver had they not spent some time in the pits with a steering problem. Alderely Flyer managed 77.7 miles and found out afterwards that they had gear selection problems and were stuck in bottom gear.
