The inaugural Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Ltd (CAMS) Schools Challenge will be held at the Queanbeyan Driver Training Complex in September. At this Grand Prix, students will be transformed into a professional crew - from drivers and automotive engineers to timekeepers, marshals and caterers.

On the day they will also undergo race official training and obtain tickets as qualified race officials.

The Challenge will comprise of four tests by which the judges will assess the vehicles handling and performance. The car’s manoeuvrability will be tested with a slalom challenge, speed and braking capabilities and its fuel efficiency and emissions will be monitored.

Like a real race team, the car must be built according to a budget, and financed through sponsors, and local business support has been encouraging. Peisley Livestock Transport will be providing the team with uniforms; Mowall Engineering Cootamundra has provided the rear axle and diff; Shepherd’s Moon Winery chipped in with $150 and Harden SES provided safety equipment for the team’s Chief Fire Officer, Dean Roberson.

Also lending assistance are Harden Automotive, Thomson’s Rural supplies and the avid motoring enthusiasts from Harden Bearing Service, who have offered whatever Tech support the team needs.

Every team member gets a chance to be driver, so long as they’re aged 14 or over, and between 60-65kgs, (which has Mackenzie Tobin worried due to his recent growth spurt). The drivers will receive training during test runs at the Harden Airstrip, which will also give Les and the crew a chance to fine-tune the vehicle.

Team Manager Jean Chapman says ......... Continued on page 2