Strong interest in delayed Student Motorsport Challenge
The Student Motorsport Challenge contest within the Citycar Cup has been postponed until next season, but organisers are encouraged by the amount of interest the series has received from educators.
The division pits teams from colleges or universities against each other, with the students able to either build or run ready-made Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo cars. The challenge had been due to launch this year, but the “crippling” effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on education has led to a delay.
“Students have barely been in – we were quite optimistic but, with the best will in the world, they couldn’t do it for this year,” said Student Motorsport founder John Paul Latham.
Attention has now turned to 2022, and Latham has built an Aygo himself in order to produce a guide for the colleges. West Suffolk College has already begun work on a car, while more than 10 others have expressed interest in the category.
“People are saying nothing has brought motorsport and education so close together,” said Latham. “I’m really pleased with the feedback we’ve had that this is really going to benefit education and motorsport.”
West Suffolk College lecturer Leon Wilde added: “The Student Motorsport Challenge not only meets the needs of the students but equips them for real industry scenarios. It gives them the practical skills needed to craft a racing car, and builds teamwork and ambition.”