Engineering students from Hatfield are gearing up for the 2018 season after unveiling their new racing car.
Move over Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
The University of Hertfordshire’s motor racing team UH Racing – the most successful UK Formula Student team in the country – has taken the covers off its 2018 challenger.
It is hoped the car, titled UH21, will race to success both nationally and internationally at Formula Student UK from July 11 to July 15, and Formula Student Czech Republic, on July 31 to August 4.
Launched this week by a team of 20 automotive, aerospace and electronic engineering students from the Hatfield-based university, UH21 is a single-seat race car which features numerous new technologies and an innovative design.
Elliott Cook, University of Hertfordshire’s Formula Student team leader and MEng Automotive Engineering and Motorsport student, said: “I am incredibly proud of what the team has produced this year.
“Everyone has worked tirelessly in the lab to prepare the car for success.
“Our sights are firmly set on a top 10, possibly a top three position in the UK event at Silverstone this July.”
The car’s construction this year has focused on “evolution over revolution” with the team’s primary goal to make the car five per cent lighter in weight than models built in previous seasons.
This led to significant structural changes to the wheel rim and wiring loom, as well as the paddle shift mechanism.
Elliott added: “Among key areas for the 2018 car is weight reduction in just about every area.
“As a result, we are introducing a higher percentage of composites, including – for the first time – a pre-preg carbon fibre plenum, which is part of the intake system.
“Although the total car weight will be reduced to around 200kg, we will still be generating around 400bhp per tonne, which is plenty enough!”
UH Racing was founded in 1997 by University of Hertfordshire students.
The team has competed in every IMechE Formula Student event since its inception in 1998.
Over the last 21 years, the team has entered Formula Student competitions worldwide with cutting-edge petrol, electric and hydrogen powered cars and won countless awards.
“UH Racing was one of the main reasons I was attracted to study at the University of Hertfordshire,” said Elliott.
“The team has consistently been one to watch at Silverstone.
“Through our work on UH21, the team has had the opportunity to build relationships with suppliers and companies within the industry and gain the knowledge and skills fundamental to succeeding in our chosen careers.”
• For more on UH Racing, visit https://racing.herts.ac.uk/
To find out more about studying engineering at the University of Hertfordshire, visit https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/engineering-and-technology
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