30 March 2006

DUNDEE UNIVERSITY GETS "FLAMIN' FIFERS" OFF TO A RACING START

The University of Dundee is supporting a team of Fife school pupils' dream of building a 4x4 car.

The team of pupils from Glenrothes High School are taking part in the national "F1 in Schools Challenge", which asks entrants to design, construct, and then drive a remote controlled car around a track. The school enjoyed success last year when they won the 14-16 age group of the competition.

This year the school team, called "Tha Flamin' Fifers", needed sponsorship to help with them obtain parts, like the motor chassis, to build the car, and to buy uniforms for the team!

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University has answered the call, and on Friday March 31st will present the pupils with a cheque for £150 to help them in their efforts.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Professor Michael Davies, will present the cheque to the team. The Glenrothes team is led by Principal Teacher of Technical Education, Mr Mogg and includes pupils Rikki Hutt (financial manager and mechanic), Greg Hay (Manufacturer), Brett Parkinson (Captain and mechanic), Steven Couldridge (Electrical Engineer), Danny Hughes (Car Designer), and Ruari O'Brien (graphic designer).

"This is a fantastic competition which really challenges the young people to show strong engineering and design skills, and we are delighted to support Glenrothes in their efforts," said Professor Davies. "We wish them every success in the competition."

Notes To Editors

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences has a strong reputation in the realm of product design, and offers the very successful degree programme "Innovative Product Design" in which students learn to balance human-centred design with the application of technology. The result is hybrid professionals that are well equipped with sound technological understanding, the creative skills of the designer and a clear understanding of business.

F1 in Schools Challenge is a competition, open to all UK based secondary schools, colleges and (organised) youth groups, to design and manufacture CO2 powered model racing cars (dragsters). Student teams compete against each other in a national championship to determine the fastest car and best engineered car in the UK. It's just like being in a real Formula One team.

http://www.f1inschools.co.uk

For further information contact:

Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk