Students on Track Day at Gold Coast 500 Excursion

The excitement was palpable as the students of the Certificate II Engineering Pathway's Formula Student Program at Marist College Ashgrove embarked on an unforgettable excursion to the Gold Coast 500. Their day was not only filled with thrilling V8 Supercar action but also a unique opportunity to gain insights into the world of motorsport. The icing on the cake was a personal corporate pit pass talk from none other than Matt Barlow of Triple Eight Race Engineering, who also works at our school in the Year 12 Br Terrence Boarding House. Matt's presentation gave our Year 11 students a glimpse into the inner workings of V8 Supercars, the role he plays within the Triple Eight Race Engineering team, and the importance of getting the small details right.

A Day to Remember

The day began with students buzzing with anticipation 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. For our Year 11 students, this excursion served as a bridge between their recent Karting Challenge experience at Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club and their upcoming participation in the Formula Student Race Car program.

Matt Barlow's Inspiring Talk

Amid the fast-paced activities, our students had the privilege of an exclusive corporate pit pass talk by Matt Barlow, who is not only a member of Triple Eight Race Engineering but also an integral part of the Marist College Ashgrove community. Matt shared his experiences, discussing the intricacies of his role within the team and how he contributes to the success of Triple Eight.

Students learned about the various systems within a V8 Supercar, gaining a deeper appreciation for the technical aspects of motorsport. Matt also provided insights into the professional lives of renowned drivers Shane Van Gisbergen and Brock Feeney, adding a personal touch to the world of motorsport. We are incredibly grateful to Matt for taking the time to inspire and educate our young engineers on a day that was undoubtedly filled with commitments.

Connecting the Dots

This experience at the Gold Coast 500 was a valuable lesson for our students, emphasising that even in the high-octane world of motorsport, it can be the smallest of components or strategic decisions that make the difference between victory and defeat. This message resonates perfectly with the principles they have been learning throughout their Certificate II Engineering Pathway Program. It reinforces the idea that meticulous attention to detail and precision is what sets the best teams and individuals apart.

Preparation for the Future

As our Year 11 students transition into the Formula Student Race Car program, the lessons learned from their Karting Challenge and their day at the Gold Coast 500 will undoubtedly hold them in good stead. They now understand the significance of every small detail and how these seemingly minor components can contribute to the overall success of a project or race. This knowledge will be invaluable as they embark on building their own Formula Student Race Car Program next year.

Conclusion

The "Students on Track Day" at the Gold Coast 500 excursion was a day of excitement, inspiration, with invaluable learning for the students of Marist College Ashgrove's Certificate II Engineering Pathway's Formula Student program. With a special thanks to Matt Barlow, who gave a 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 Student Race Car program next year.