West Suffolk College motorsport engineering students scoop third place in Student Motorsport Challenge final at Silverstone

Motorsport engineering students have scooped third place overall in a contest that has seen them compete at some of the most renowned racing circuits across the UK.

The students from West Suffolk College, based in Bury St Edmunds, have been battling all year in the 2023 Student Motorsport Challenge, which had its grand final at Silverstone Circuit the weekend before last.

The competition gives college students from all over the country the opportunity to form a race team, turn a used city car into a race car, find a driver and then compete on track against other colleges, novices and professionals in the ultra-competitive Nankang Tyres BRSCC CityCar Cup Championship.

West Suffolk College motorsport engineering students scooped third place overall in the challenge following an ‘exciting’ grand final.

Having worked hard to move up the grid throughout the year, the students were overjoyed with their final position.

Course tutor Alan Barrett said: “I’m very proud of the students, they have worked hard all year, giving up their weekends to attend the races and support their studies.

“They have gained valuable ‘real-life’ racing experience at some of the most prestigious racing circuits in the UK. I would also like to extend my thanks to our driver, Haydn Payne, who has driven well to steadily move us up the grid this year.”

Driver Haydn Payne, 17, is a student himself studying advanced mechanical engineering at Myerscough College in Preston.

West Suffolk College has been participating in the Student Motorsport Challenge this year across several race weekends which took place at Croft, Anglesey Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Silverstone.

The team built and modified their Toyota Aygo to fit BRSCC race regulations for this championship.

Working on the car in the workshop at college and attending these race meetings supports their coursework by giving them valuable real-life, trackside experience, which ultimately benefits their studies and prepares them to successfully advance their careers in motorsport.

Alan and the students would like to extend their congratulations to Northbrook College and driver Richard Jepp who finished first, and to East Surrey College and driver Jack Wheeler who finished in second place.

Alan would like to thank Chassis Cab, Sealey Tools, Coastline Graphics, Kent Blaxill and the Pebble PR & Marketing Agency along with Haydn’s sponsors Savia Consulting, Yorkshire Campervan Conversions and Orange 21 for their support this year.

The provisional calendar for 2024 will see West Suffolk College commence battle once again in April 2024 at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk.