Technologies News

Formula High School 6 Hours Track Event Preparations

The Formula High School Challenge has become a proud tradition within our Technologies Department, and excitement is building as our Year 12 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways students prepare to compete in the upcoming Formula High School 6-Hour Endurance Event this Friday at Lakeside Park.

Over the past two years, this dedicated group of students has undertaken the enormous challenge of building a race car from the ground up. Countless hours have been spent in the workshop before school, during classes, after school, and on weekends, transforming a collection of components into a highly competitive race car. The project has demanded commitment, perseverance, problem-solving skills, and an unwavering attention to detail. It is fair to say that a great deal of blood, sweat and tears has gone into bringing this vehicle to life.

The Formula High School program provides students with an authentic engineering experience unlike any other. Participants are required to apply technical knowledge and practical skills across a wide range of areas, including fabrication, mechanical assembly, electrical systems, vehicle setup, project management and race strategy. Equally important are the development of teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, time management and responsibility, all of which are highly sought-after skills in industry and beyond.

The upcoming 6-hour endurance race represents the pinnacle event of the program and the culmination of two years of hard work. Students are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to test their car against some of the best school-based engineering teams in the state. They will be hoping to replicate the outstanding achievement of last year's Marist College team, which claimed victory by completing an incredible 114 laps across the six-hour event, finishing four laps clear of their nearest rival.

While success on the track is exciting, the true victory lies in the journey. The experience of designing, building, troubleshooting and racing a vehicle provides students with invaluable real-world skills and memories that will remain with them long after they leave the College.

A program of this scale is only possible through the dedication and support of many people. Special thanks must go to Mr AJ Gray, whose passion, expertise and leadership have guided students throughout the entire process. His commitment to mentoring and supporting the boys has been instrumental in the success of the program. We also sincerely thank the College Leadership Team for their continued encouragement and support of this elite pathway program.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the many sponsors whose financial contributions, products and services have helped make this project a reality. In particular, we acknowledge:

• Rob McGrath from JBE Signalling (Gold Sponsor)
• Paul from Thermal Edge Coating for powder coating the chassis
• Bart Scanlan and Noone Clothing for supplying team uniforms
• Jentech Electrical for their automotive electrical expertise
• Dan Lawler from Mr Tuning for engine maintenance
• Bridgeman Stainless for specialist welding solutions
• Procloud body wrap

The generosity of these businesses has provided students with opportunities and experiences that would not otherwise be possible.

We wish the team every success as they head to the track and look forward to following their progress. Regardless of the result, the boys have already demonstrated what can be achieved through hard work, determination, teamwork and a shared passion for engineering. The entire Marist College community is incredibly proud of their efforts and will be cheering them on as they strive for another memorable performance.