MET students take on Student Motorsport Challenge

Students from Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (GB MET) are taking part in the Student Motorsport Challenge as part of the CityCar Cup Championship.

The College was pleased to welcome JP Latham, founder of Student Motorsport, and Simon Toolan from race parts supplier Essential Racing, to launch the project and introduce the parts and a full spec race car to the students. 

Taking part in the Motorsport Challenge will provide students from Level 3 and degree level Motorsport courses with an unrivalled opportunity to learn, compete and network in a professional motorsport environment. They will go to race days around the country, and work with external professional drivers who will race their car. 

The day started with an introduction from JP and Simon, and the students got the chance to look over the full spec race car from Essential Racing, and notice the difference between this and the ‘donor’ car that they will be transforming, before trying their hand at constructing a roll cage. They were also able to look at the new parts that will transform the Peugeot 107 into a race-ready vehicle.

Students took part in a Pit Stop Challenge, where they were given an unscheduled pit stop scenario to make changes to get the car back in the race. The top fastest teams from colleges across the country will compete in a grand final at one of the forthcoming race days.

JP from Student Motorsport said: “As a former Motorsport Lecturer and like many of the lecturers we meet today, their ultimate goal is to provide students with tangible, real-world, relevant work experience for a career in the motorsport industry. I’m incredibly proud that with support from our partners we have been able to develop and introduce a challenge that will help educators better prepare work-ready students to meet the ever growing demands of employers in such a competitive industry.”

Ben, a degree level Motorsport student, said: “This was an exciting opportunity to gain practical industry experience with the support from Student Motorsport. I’m looking forward to participating in a professional championship.”

Rhys, another degree level Motorsport student, added: “It’s good to see a company that is investing in the future of student-led motorsport, and allowing individuals like myself a professional insight into the industry. I’m looking forward to getting the car ready for race day.”

Emma Norton, Course Leader for HE Motorsport said: “This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain firsthand industry experience. It was an enjoyable way to improve their employment prospects.”

Lucy Mitchell, Head of Learning for Construction & Engineering, said:  “The Student Motorsport race team experience day was a fantastic engaging set of activities. The learners gained roll cage assembly and real pit stop experience in the time challenge. Amazing support to link industry with the future employees.”