Four talented teenagers from a Coventry academy have taken the chequered flag after being crowned national champions in a Formula One competition.

Elias Khimasia (15), Eddie Hodierne (17), Abi Hirons (16) and Callum Kennedy (16) – otherwise known as Academy Racing - won the UK championships of the annual F1 in Schools competition at Silverstone.

The four team members, who are all students at WMG Academy for Young Engineers, are now heading to the world championships in Malaysia to compete against teams from 44 countries.

Callum said: “The competition was amazing - a real life changing experience. We have never worked so hard in our lives but it all came good in the end.”

The F1 in Schools challenge sees students from all over the globe compete for the Bernie Ecclestone F1 in Schools World Championship trophy. This involves using CAD/CAM computer software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature F1 cars. The cars are powered by a small CO2 cylinder and can reach speeds of over 50mph over a 20m track.

Abi said: “When we won I was shocked. Then after the shock wore off I realised that what we’d achieved was absolutely amazing! I’m really looking forward to going to the world championships in Malaysia.”

As well as the national title, Academy Racing also won the trophy for the fastest car.

The winning team received support and sponsorship from over 15 local businesses including; Autins, Cov Con, Coventry University, GRM, High Profile, I2m, JLR, Lear, LTF, Squires Gears, Suretrack, WMG, WMG Academy, Warwick EDM and the University of Warwick.

WMG Academy, in Mitchell Avenue, Canley, Coventry, offers students the chance to study science, technology, engineering and maths in a purpose-built centre featuring a state-of-the-art workshop, 3D printers and the latest design software. The academy also boasts its own Jaguar car and works in partnership with the University of Warwick and businesses to provide students with a career-based education.

Academy Racing now needs to raise £12,000 to fund the trip to the world final in Kuala Lumpur in October. Anyone wishing to offer donations or sponsorship can contact the academy at info@wmgacademy.org.uk

ENDS

For more information email c.lewis@wmgacademy.org.uk or call Calista Lewis on 024 7646 4661.

Notes to editors

The WMG Academy for Young Engineers, in Coventry, has experienced such success that a second academy opened its doors in Solihull in 2016 to 640 students. The WMG Academies offer world class education for students aged 14-19 who want to pursue a career in engineering. Students learn in a new way, with real, business-focussed, practical problems and challenges at the centre of their curriculum. With the support of sponsoring companies, this new approach prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century, whether they be in companies, in further education or at university.

Employer Partners for the WMG Academy for Young Engineers include:

Aston Martin, Automotive Insulations, Bosch, Cummins, Dassault Systemes, DCS Group, Jaguar Land Rover, National Grid, Oleo, Prodrive, Ricardo, Sarginsons, Savery Hydraulics, SCC, Squires Gears, Sure Track, Tata Motors, University of Warwick , Vinci Energies, WMG

The WMG Academies for Young Engineers are currently taking applications for students to start in September 2017.