BBG Win First-Ever Bradford College Greenpower Challenge

It was BBG Academy who were crowned champions in the inaugural Bradford College Greenpower Challenge.

Six Bradford schools, joined by various College staff, travelled over to Blyton Race Track, Gainsborough this Wednesday for a special race day after seven months of hard work and planning. The schools competing were:

BBG Academy

Delta Hanson Academy

Dixons City Academy

Oastlers Academy, Keighley

Parkside School

Tong Leadership Academy

Back in January, each school took delivery of their very own electric kit car – donated by Bradford College – which students have since set about building for the finale race day, with Greenpower and Bradford College’s Motor Vehicle team on hand for any expertise or assistance needed.

Bradford College Head of Student Recruitment & External Relations, Anita Ladva-Cheung, spoke about the initiative: “Working with Greenpower to bring electric racing to the schools of Bradford this year has been a fulfilling experience for everyone involved. It’s been amazing to see pupils across Bradford develop their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, while also developing soft skills like teamwork and communication. We look forward to having more Bradford schools involved next year!”

The teams arrived at Blyton Race Track at around 9:30am ready and raring for a full day of racing in their new creations. Scrutineering and last minute checks came first before practice laps commenced at 11am and the showpiece race at 2pm.

Despite finishing 3rd in practice, BBG Academy saved their best for the final race of the day and took the honours back to Birkenshaw.

Ian Aindow, Senior Leadership at BBG, said: “Thank you so much to Bradford College for this opportunity. Our students and staff have had an amazing time, making some lasting memories. We hope to be involved again next year to defend our title!”

The full final rankings, for both practice and the final race, looked like this:

Practice

1. Dixons City Academy – BD Stealth
2. Oastlers Academy, Keighley – Lightning
3. BBG Academy – #TeamBBG
4. Parkside School
5. Delta Hanson Academy – Viper
6. Tong Leadership Academy – TLA Blazers

Final Race

1. BBG Academy – #TeamBBG
2. Oastlers Academy, Keighley – Lightning
3. Dixons City Academy – BD Stealth
4. Hanson School – Viper
5. Tong Leadership Academy – TLA Blazers (DNF)
6. Parkside School (DNF)

Speaking about the success of race day, Lindsey Dodsworth (Bradford College Schools Liaison Officer), said: “The first year of our Greenpower partnership and race has been a rousing success. All the schools involved have engaged with the College and worked so hard over the last seven months – we’ve loved it. This isn’t just about racing though, it’s about showcasing all the opportunities and routes available to young people across the district. With this in mind, it hasn’t just been a success for the College but also a huge win for Bradford. Focus is now very much on next year when we’ll hopefully welcome back this year’s schools, as well as plenty more.”

The Greenpower Education Trust itself is a UK-based charity with an outstanding track record in kickstarting careers in engineering. They help unlock potential and spark enthusiasm in young people for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) through the excitement of motorsport. This is done through a unique challenge: to design, build and race an electric car.

Attention now turns to 2025 as Bradford’s Greenpower Challenge looks to go bigger and better.

Are you a school looking to get involved or a company interested in what sponsorship could do for you? Please contact [email protected] for more information.

You can also find out more about our budding Greenpower partnership via this dedicated web page: https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/greenpower/?utm_source=t_and_a&utm_campaign=greenpower_electric_cars&utm_medium=pr