Balga Senior High School to race in F1 in Schools national final

A GROUP of Balga Senior High School students is hoping to take out the F1 in Schools Australian final with their aerodynamic model.

Team Raptors members Jackson Gott, William Khee Tay, Phu Truong and Khan Srilakhonloed received a wildcard to the nationals after a successful state final.

They join will Wesley College at the competition held in Clayton, Victoria from March 11 to 15.

The competition involves a car model filled with carbon dioxide racing down a 25m track.

Australia has won six F1 in Schools world titles – the most of any country.

Jackson, the team’s marketer and manager, said it was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

“We are racing the best schools and teams in the whole of Australia,” he said.

“I really like that I can be more professional than I might be able to in real life such as when I need to call a store to ask for a manager and ask them for a sponsorship.”

Khan, the team’s engineer, said their national car was lighter than the state car and they expected it would travel faster.

Assistant coordinator Trish Dean said it was the fourth time in 10 years that the school competed at nationals.

“It has been a fantastic experience for the kids and especially for the kids that English is their second language,” she said.

“They have really put a lot of thought in the design of the car which is a huge thing.”

For information, visit the team’s Facebook page.