Bedford Schools' Grand Prix 2011 - full report
The 2011 running of the Bedford Schools' Grand Prix got off to a good start with Mark Rutherford School heading into an early lead with their winning car from last year setting the immediate pace from a tactical qualifying position at the back, which translated to pole position with the reversed grid. With their second car, named 'The Griffins' taking up position not far behind, it was left to Biddenham Upper School to assume the final podium position as they kept in touch, albeit a few seconds off the leaders' pace.
In fourth place St Thomas More remained reliable throughout the running but gradually lost laps to the cars in front. After just twenty-three laps their second car pitted with broken suspension, leaving the team with just one car to concentrate on.
Up front the Rutherford and Biddenham cars swapped positions during the numerous pitstops to change drivers and batteries and as the BUS Drivers car kept creeping back to the top of the leaderboard it was clear that they would feature in the final reckoning.
The race was turned on its head ten minutes into the final hour as the Rutherford Racing car slowed to a crawl. Almost coming to a halt in the pit entrance, the team worked frantically on the car as it lost two laps to the leaders. The two Rutherford teams held the first two places for much of the race but their pace proved to be too hot even for themselves as they struggled to keep the momentum going in the dying moments. Rutherford Racing did have the fastest lap of the race to give them some cheer.
The lack of pace from the Rutherford cars let St Thomas More School into third behind the Rutherford Griffins car and they were only two laps away from second place, an almost achievable task as the car ahead slowed dramatically. This was good consolation for the team after the disappointment of seeing the second car bow out of the race.
The top four finished 9 laps apart over the four hour duration, with fifth place claimed by Bedford Girls School's Sparks car after a solid performance. They completed thirteen more laps than Dame Alice Harpur School's car, which was another four laps clear of Bedford High School for Girls' High Voltage machine. The three teams suffered various issues during the race but will have been pleased to have made the finish.
Final Finishing Positions:
1. The BUS Drivers, 125L
2. The Griffins, -6L
3. More Car Racing, -8L
4. Rutherford Racing, -9L
5. Sparks, -43L
6. Team Alice, -56L
7. High Voltage, -60L
8. St Thomas More Racing 2, -102L
On the podium Biddenham were ecstatic winners, and the school's
Jan Schofield said, "we're delighted with the team effort of so
many students who have been working hard over the six months to
build the car, to create the hospitality and publicity. This has
involved a range of departments from the school working on the
project, plus a great team of sponsors. It's wonderful to win and
we're looking forward to the Greenpower Challenge."
With the competition stretching the school curriculum, there were
not just awards for finishing positions in the race. Here is a
full rundown of the prizes:
Fastest lap: Mark Rutherford Upper School
Most reliable car: Biddenham Upper School
Most interesting technology: St Thomas More
Best pit stop: Bedford Girls School
Best looking car: St Thomas More
Best presented crew: Bedford High School for Girls
Most publicised team: Mark Rutherford Upper School
Best website: Biddenham Upper School
Best commentary: Mark Rutherford Upper School
Best catering: Biddenham Upper School
