Behind the Scenes Tour for Technology Students
07 May 2010
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TECHNOLOGY students from a local secondary school received a behind the scenes insight into the motorsport industry after being invited to Rockingham for a special VIP tour of the circuit.
Eighteen students from Lodge Park Technology College in Corby took part in the visit as part of the Northamptonshire circuit’s partnership with the school to promote the key Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.
The Year 8 students received the exclusive look behind the scenes of Rockingham as the circuit prepared for its flagship racing event of the year, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
As part of the visit, the 12 and 13-year-olds met some of the UK’s leading championship’s unsung heroes who work busily behind the scenes to keep the drivers and their cars on track when they visited five of the BTCC garages.
Backroom staff took time out of their busy schedule to explain to the students how they prep the cars for each race weekend and how they use all the core STEM subjects as part of their role within their team set up.
The students also visited the Dunlop truck to learn about the tyre technology involved in running the championship, which included a presentation on aspects of environmental issues such as recycling and reducing oil content as well as fuel consumption.
Project Manager & Technology teacher at Lodge Park, Peter Smith said: “The visit was just amazing in a number of ways. It allowed the students a privileged look into the high-powered world of the BTCC, but more importantly, gave them a chance to visualise links between what they learn in the classroom and how their knowledge and skills can be applied in the real world.
“The design and manufacture of the car chassis and the hi-tech systems which make them work are all relevant to the work the students are doing in their Design & Technology lessons. They could also see the significant number of people in varying roles needed to support the racing and allow the drivers to do what they need to do.
“We have invested in 3D CAD software, rapid prototyping equipment and physical and virtual wind tunnel testing to help students as young as 14 to design and make their own scale model car bodies.
“It is not hard to envisage how such skills could form the basis of a commercial link between Lodge Park School and some of the racing teams where our research and development facilities could be used to support their success.”
The VIP visit was the perfect reward for the Year 8 students who have a specialist interest in technology and is part of the school’s specialist learning programme.
Rockingham Director Charlotte Orton, added: “We have been working very closely with Lodge Park Technology College this year, so we were delighted to be able to invite some of the students to the circuit.
“Education is a passion at Rockingham, so this was the perfect opportunity to give students an insight into the world of motorsport and all the work that takes place behind the scenes to keep the racing teams on track throughout the season.
“This was probably the first visit to Rockingham for many of the students and hopefully we provided them with a memorable day. They all received tickets to come back on race day so we have hopefully won over a few more fans.”
A number of motor racing events will be taking place at the circuit throughout the year. Check the event section of the Rockingham website for more details.
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