PHSG Formula 24 Teams Race to Victory at season Opener!
Our Formula 24 racing team had a strong start to the 2025 season at RMB Chivenor this past Sunday, entering two cars – Hummingbird and Xantus – into their first competitive event of the year.
We are delighted to report that Hummingbird finished first in the race, securing a commanding lead and winning by a considerable margin. Xantus, competing in its very first race, achieved an impressive distance of nearly 32 miles, outperforming all the other Plymouth-based schools, many of whom have been racing for several years. This exceeded our original target of 28 miles and represents a significant achievement for a new team and vehicle.
This race marked our first official event of the season, and it was also the debut for many of our team members. Several students stepped into driving roles for the first time, a task that can be daunting under race conditions. They handled the pressure with great maturity and focus. Our experienced drivers also provided essential support and consistency, helping to guide and steady the team throughout the day.
Between races, the weather became a challenge, with heavy rainfall affecting both cars. This resulted in a noticeable drop in performance at the start of the second race. Despite this, the team responded quickly and professionally, making necessary adjustments.
The day also involved significant behind-the-scenes work from our pit crews, communications team, and performance analysts. Each group had a vital role in ensuring the cars were safe, operational, and competitive. We were particularly proud of how the students managed under time pressure when repairs were needed between races, and how they handled incomplete equipment by adapting and problem-solving effectively.
This event has been a valuable experience for the team and has set a strong foundation for the rest of the season. We now look ahead to our next race at Predannack in June, where the team will continue to build on what they have learned and work to improve the cars further.
A huge thank you to our sponsors BD for funding our project and providing essential expertise. A further massive thank you to all parents and supporters who have helped get the team to this point, we could not have taken so many students to experience the thrill of a race day without you.
