Primary pupils win first Jaguar Maths in Motion World Final

Budding motor engineers from as far afield as Australia and China fulfilled their driving ambition by taking part in the World Final of the 2015 Jaguar Maths in Motion Challenge, which is supported by Rapid.

For the first time pupils from a primary school, Butlers Court Primary School, Beaconsfield, claimed overall victory in the competition, held at the British Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire. This was also the first time teams from outside the UK had taken part in the Challenge. A team from Kingston Primary School in Western Australia and Beijing's Harrow International School had made the long journey to be present, joining 28 other teams from primary and secondary schools in the UK.

No tyres venture onto tracks in this challenge, at least not physically. Crunching numbers rather than gears, teams have 90 minutes to use their mathematical skills to set up a virtual racing car to complete a multi-lap race on a simulated Grand Prix race circuit. Calculations and measurements are performed to determine fuel loads, tyre types and race speeds, taking into account weather conditions and the demands of each circuit. Students also gain a basic understanding of how engine tuning, aerodynamics, suspension and gears affect the overall performance of a car.

Each team’s data is entered into the bespoke challenge computer software, which launches the race. Teachers and pupils watched the race on big screens and schools across the country listened in on internet radio. It was another action-packed race saw which saw some dramatic crashes and the lead change countless times. Finally it was the four boys from Butlers Court who kept hold of their lead to beat Aylesbury Grammar School.

Rapid sponsors the Secondary category. Rapid's David Sansom is pictured with Aylesbury pupils Richard Chappell and Tom Lewis receiving their prizes from Jonathan Garrett, CSR Director, Jaguar Land Rover. Rapid is one of 11 Partners of the Jaguar Maths in Motion Challenge, which aims to provide a fun and exciting platform for pupils to apply mathematics skills.