Cardiff Racing all set for Silverstone

Cardiff Racing, the School of Engineering’s Formula Student racing team, has unveiled its latest car. After finishing ninth overall (third in the UK) out of a hundred competing student racing teams from last year’s event at Silverstone, the team are ready to put the pedal to the metal in what is believed to be their fastest car to date.

Cardiff Racing’s Chief Technician Lee Treherne praised the team’s efforts, saying: “This year’s car has proved to be the fastest yet when it comes to acceleration, and it’s pulling in roughly 1.6G on the corners.”

After an informative and humorous introduction by supervisors Dr Rhys Pullin and Dr Alastair Clark, the team unveiled CR11, the 11th edition of Cardiff University’s Formula Student car.

For the very first time, Cardiff Racing’s car has been aerodynamically tested, undergoing an extensive cost versus performance analysis as a result. The electrics have been modified, with the introduction of a compact and accessible electrical box and a National Instruments myRIO for data logging, and a weight of one kilogram has been saved by implementing a new carbon nose cone and bulkhead design. A completely redesigned suspension system and anti-roll bars are also expected to give Cardiff Racing a competitive edge.

James Valance, of Cardiff Racing, said: “Cardiff Racing is important on many levels. The social aspect and the chance to work in a tight-knit team are obvious plus points, but Cardiff Uni is quite unique in that first and second years can join and start work on the car straight away. We are giving young engineers hands-on, practical experience. “

Team member Matthew Moore added: “Our links with industry also help us secure sought-after placements. In our second year – our year in industry – everyone from the team got the placement they wanted. It is very relevant, career-wise.”

Cardiff Racing’s industrial sponsors include National Instruments; Institution of Mechanical Engineers; Santander; Honda; Guardian; Global Opportunity Centre; RS; Ricardo; Tritech; Reid Lifting; Spa Naturel Fitness; Trelleborg; SWIEET; Zircotec; Renishaw; Taymore; and Ultimaker. The team also raise funds for ty hafan.
This car has been named Ann in memory of Ann Harry, mother of Cardiff Racing alumni Steve Harry. Sadly Ann lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.

The vehicle will compete against other student cars in a series of static and dynamic trials at Silverstone from Thursday through to Sunday, before heading off to international competitions at Milan and at Prague this summer, courtesy of sponsor Global Opportunity Centre.