Year 8 F24 success at the Lotus Test Track

Year 8 F24 success at the Lotus Test Track

It was impressive to watch the Year 8 ‘Team Phantom’ hone their teamwork at Lotus Cars’ test track on Sunday. Competing with 34 other teams on the track where Mansell, Andretti and Senna tweaked their skills, our team achieved terrific results against friendly rivals from Norfolk, Essex, London, Kent, the Midlands and beyond. Teams as diverse as Wellington College, St. Paul’s Westminster, Aylsham High School, Clacton County High School, Derby Grammar, Norwich School, City Academy Norwich and The Priory took advantage of the sunny conditions to set strong race distances in the ninety-minute events.

Town Close’s teamwork came to the fore, with Alessia, Anashe, Seb and Thomas drilling the communications and nailing the pit stops superbly. Alessia’s masterplan ensured each knew their role, and the driver changeovers from Tessa to Sam to Sidney in Race 1 went like clockwork. Race 2, for once, was just as smooth! James got off the grid well, followed by a short but strong stint from Sam and a smooth drive from Florence to bring the car home. Town Close’s Phantom achieved 37 .4 miles in the best of the two races, earning them third place overall and second in the Kit Car class to The Priory.

Huge thanks go to Bill Anthony for preparing key elements, including the batteries, so ably. Historical links between Lotus Cars and Town Close run deep, with the Lotus founder, Colin Chapman, supporting the team through the Foundation created by his son (and Town Close alumni) Clive. All the teams appreciated the welcome offered by Matt Windle’s Lotus staff to their fantastic facility.