Technology News

"Students on Track Day" at Gold Coast 500 Excursion

The anticipation was palpable as the students of the MEM20422 Certificate II Engineering Pathway’s Formula High School Program set off for an unforgettable excursion to the Gold Coast 500 Supercars Event. Their day was packed with exhilarating V8 Supercar action and a unique opportunity to delve into the world of motorsport. A highlight was a personal corporate pit pass talk from Matt Barlow of Triple Eight Race Engineering, who had previously served as a Boarding supervisor in the Br Terrence Dormitory earlier this year. Matt’s comprehensive presentation offered our students a behind-the-scenes look at V8 Supercars, his role within the Triple Eight Race Engineering team, the significance of attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork. The students were also thrilled to see Triple 8’s main drivers, Brock Feeney and Will Brown, in action, along with a few other celebrities enjoying the five-star treatment in their corporate box.

The day kicked off with students buzzing with excitement as they arrived at the Gold Coast 500 event, surrounded by the roaring engines and vibrant atmosphere of one of Australia’s premier motorsport gatherings. This excursion served as a bridge between their recent Karting Challenge experience at Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club and the Formula Student Race Car program this year.

A standout moment was when the Marist College Ashgrove Racecar was one of six cars selected to be displayed by Careers Education Australia, who now deliver the Formula High School program. Positioned prominently, it garnered exposure to thousands of attendees, promoting Marist College and our Technology Department. Our students were immensely proud of this achievement.

This experience at the Gold Coast 500 was a valuable lesson for our students, highlighting that even in the high-octane world of motorsport, the smallest components or strategic decisions can make the difference between victory and defeat. This message aligns perfectly with the principles they have been learning throughout their Formula High School Program, reinforcing the idea that meticulous attention to detail and precision sets the best teams and individuals apart.

The “Students on Track Day” at the Gold Coast 500 excursion was a day of excitement and inspiration, providing invaluable learning for the students of Marist College Ashgrove’s Certificate II Engineering Pathway’s Formula Student program. Special thanks again to Matt Barlow for his fascinating insight into the world of V8 Supercars. The students left the event with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of motorsport and a deeper understanding of the importance of precision in engineering and racing. This experience is sure to serve as a driving force as they venture into the Formula High School Program next year.