22/09/2010
NEWS STORY
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Tears of joy and tumultuous applause accompanied the announcement of the USA winning the F1 in Schools World Finals. The world champions, Unitus Racing from James Madison Middle School and Southeast High School, were delighted, and surprised, to be crowned with the title at this sixth World Finals event, after beating 24 student teams in this prestigious educational Formula One linked challenge.
The team were congratulated by McLaren driver Jenson Button after the awards ceremony, adding to the special day for the American team. Earlier this afternoon Bernie Ecclestone, a long-time supporter of F1 in Schools, visited the event to view first-hand the competition.
Unitus Racing Team Manager, Amanda Clark, and her team mates, Niemann Pest, Mark Nanney, Tony Griffin, Brandon Miranda and Yatrik Solandi had made a long trip of nearly 24 hours travelling to claim their historic victory, celebrating as the first country to have won the title for a second time. "We're all a bit overwhelmed and can't really put what this means to us into words", said Clark. "This was a total surprise. Our goal was to be in the top ten, as we knew we had been consistent in the various different judging categories. At the end, when they called the third and second placed teams we had no idea that we had won, we thought we had come fifth. It just shows what hard work and determination can do, as well as following a dream."
Button fitted in a visit to meet the World Champions amid a hectic pre-race weekend PR schedule, congratulating them on their achievements. "A World Champion F1 driver saying well done to us was just awesome," said Clark. "We can't quite believe this is happening to us. It's all a bit unreal!"
Button said of the team's success, "Wow, it was a long journey for these guys, but I suppose it's like anything you want to achieve, it is a long journey. A lot of people would also say that the journey is the reward as well. I'm sure it has been for these guys, they have had a great experience designing the car and congratulations to them. I hope they've enjoyed this experience and enjoyed their trip to Singapore."
Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman of F1 in Schools, explained, "Team Turbo won our first World Finals back in 2004, but since then the competition has been so tough that it's taken them six years to reclaim the title. This team excelled by their consistency and attention to detail, putting together top quality work in every element of the competition and this really paid off for them.
"We've had a fantastic World Finals this year, with the quality of the teams outstripping last year and all the judges being highly impressed with the professionalism, commitment and innovation that has been put into the development of their F1 cars.
"There has been intense competition at this event, with hundreds of hours of work being put into each teams' entry, as they strive to build the fastest, most innovative car with high precision engineering. The initiative mirrors the real world of Formula One, with the team's professionalism extending to the pit display, uniforms, merchandise and commercial funding, with judges allocating marks for each of these aspects of the programme. The 25 teams have put in superb performances, but there's always only one World Champion and Unitus Racing are deserving champions, our congratulations to them."
A total of 17 trophies were presented at the Awards ceremony, attended by F1 drivers Lucas di Grassi from Virgin Racing and Sauber F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi. Representatives from many of the F1 teams were present and the Guest of Honour was Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower & Ministry of Health.
F1 in Schools is the only global multi-disciplinary challenge for students aged 9 to 19. The founding constitution of F1 in Schools stipulates that it shall remain a not-for-profit organisation. Based in London and supported by the Institute of Engineering and Technology, funds are raised through sponsorship and invested in administering, developing and expanding the challenge. The competition inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacturing, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative and exciting way.