MORE than 70 young Islanders were on the starting grid for a Formula 1-style race showcasing their design, engineering and marketing skills.
The Jersey leg of the STEM Racing UK event saw racing featuring miniature grand prix cars designed and built by pupils at Island schools.
Supported by Formula 1, the event offered the chance for the best Jersey teams in two separate categories to progress to the UK finals in 2026, with the added incentive for the top performers in the national event to qualify for the world finals later in the year.
The event, sponsored by C5 Alliance was divided into two classes – Professional and Development – offering different levels of technical and project complexity.
The cars were launched down a 20-metre track using compressed air, with teams challenged to optimise aerodynamic performance and comply with detailed technical regulations, mirroring real FIA processes.
The Professional champions were the Vanguard team from Victoria College, with second place and a ticket to the UK final claimed by the Beaulieu School team Ekleipsis.
Two Jersey College for Girls teams, Aquila and Mach 4, finished first and second respectively in the Development race, also securing their passage to the UK event at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Sheffield in March.
Tom Milner, project director for STEM Racing UK, said: “The competition has only been present in Jersey for 24 months and we’ve seen teams progress in skill and knowledge in leaps and bounds.
“Each and every student should be proud of their achievements, and we are looking forward to seeing our national finalists in March where I’m sure they’ll once again be brilliant.”
Digital Jersey chief executive Tony Moretta added: “Seeing STEM Racing come to life in Jersey for a second year has been fantastic. Our team worked hard to bring this global initiative to the Island and the students rose to the challenge brilliantly – their energy, creativity and professionalism were inspiring to watch.
“This programme gives young people real engineering and business skills, and it’s exciting to see former Jersey students now working in Formula 1 return to judge the next generation.”
