Shell Eco-marathon Youth Challenge UK

Ever since the completion of Sir Thomas Wharton College in Edlington, near Doncaster, VINCI Construction UK, Building Division – North has taken a keen interest in the college and its students.

With sponsorship from the Company, the college was able to enter two vehicles in the Shell Eco-marathon Youth Challenge UK where they competed against 22 other schools.

The Shell Eco-marathon challenges 11-16 years olds to design, build and test, fuel efficient vehicles. They are challenged to complete the course at the world famous Rockingham Motor Speedway using the least possible fuel whilst maintaining a minimum speed of 15mph.

The 12-strong team from Sir Thomas Wharton claimed 1st place in the Schools Initiative Class. The winning vehicle in the novice class for new vehicles, which the students built from scratch and affectionately called the Wharthog, achieved an amazing 794 miles per gallon.

Their other vehicle, nicknamed the Green Meanie managed an astounding 1,202 miles per gallon to clinch third place in the overall competition, the Schools Open Class.

Both vehicles were entered into the competition for the Best Presented Car and to everyone’s delight the two Thomas Wharton vehicles were selected as joint winners.

Gary Thomasson, who was a key member of the VINCI Construction UK team that helped to construct the Sir Thomas Wharton College as part of the Doncaster Schools PFI project, was delighted when he heard the news of the team’s success:

“Taking part in the Shell Eco-marathon gives the students of Sir Thomas Wharton College a fabulous opportunity to get real hands-on experience in science and engineering and I’m delighted that VINCI Construction has been able to help them on their way. I am thrilled that their dedication and hard work has been rewarded.”

Published: 9/08/2010