Athlone TY Students to represent Ireland in Abu Dhabi for “F1 in Schools” world final

Formula 1 in Schools is an international STEM challenge where teams of students ages 9 to 19 use CAD 3D modelling software to design miniature Formula One cars. These cars are analysed, manufactured and rigorously tested with the aim to design the world’s fastest F1 in Schools car. Teams must also raise sponsorship money from large businesses to pay for team expenses. It is a great way to introduce students to engineering, manufacturing and technology.

The Irish National Finals was on the 5th of April in TU Dublin. Each Irish team had to present their project as a team, show off their “pit” display and race their high-speed cars. Each year the three winning teams qualify for the World Finals.

The car

Vintius racing consists of two engineers who are responsible for creating their car.

Eoghan Carroll, the Design Engineer, undertook a huge amount of research in advanced aerodynamics and the car was designed on SolidWorks, a popular CAD software.

Alexander Farrell, the Manufacturing Engineer collaborated with AIT (Athlone Institute of Technology) who helped 3D print and CNC mill the car.

The lightning-quick car is shot down the 20-meter track powered by a compressed C02 cartridge. Vintius Racing had a track time of 1.107 seconds. The team plans on breaking the 1-second barrier for the World Finals.

The team’s roles

“Our team name comes from the Celtic God of Wind,” says Michael Munnelly, the Graphic Designer of Vintius racing. This reflects both our Irish heritage and our goal to make a fast and powerful car. Michael created many of the team’s promotional materials using Adobe products such as Photoshop.

The other team members are Conor McNamara (Team Manager), Brian O’ Hara Duggan (Project Manager) and Callum McKnight (Marketing Manager).

The competition

If you are in secondary school and have any interest in technology or business, the F1 in Schools competition can help prepare you for a future career in engineering, graphic design and many others.

The team would also like to acknowledge some of their sponsors:

Advanced NDT Solutions: an advanced non-destructive testing service company with years of experience in multiple fields such as pharmaceutical chemistry.

Newell Roofing Products: a Galway-based manufacturer and distributor of commercial, industrial and agricultural roofing products.

Patrick McKnight Roofing: An established Athlone based Roofing contractor. Who specialise in copper, zinc and silicone membrane flat roofs.

You can see regular updates of progress on Vintius Racing’s Instagram and Twitter @VintiusRacing. For more information check out the team’s website at www.vintiusracing.com.