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Sultan team return to Gosport following triumph at Goodwood
7 March 2016
Students from the Key Education Centre, Gosport, returned triumphantly to HMS Sultan recently for a special visit and celebration after scooping, top prizes at the Cop Car Race Day.
The team of six students were treated to a tour of the Defence College of Technical Training’s Defence School of Marine Engineering (DSMarE) at HMS Sultan in order to see Royal Navy training aids including Diesel engines and Gas Turbines in full motion.
The youngsters had been hosted within the Establishment while taking part in the Cop Car project. The project is a 10 week challenge, which sees 11-16 year olds who face difficulties within the normal School system, work as part of a team in order to build a F24 Kit Car.
Supported by Gosport Police Community Support Officers, The Keys Education staff and members of the Royal Navy, the project saw the students take their completed car for a full days racing at Goodwood.
These youngsters have demonstrated a serious amount of potential during this project
A total of 11 cars entered into the races, 8 of whom were funded by the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner as part of his commitment to reducing reoffending and Anti-Social Behaviour.
Under the strict guideline set by the Greenpower Education Trust all the cars had to have the same batteries and motor to power the vehicle and had to pass scrutinising, similar to a road legal vehicles MOT before the race.
Each race lasted an hour and with numerous trophies up for grabs, race 1 started with Keystone 9th on the grid. A feeling of excitement, nervous energy and anticipation was clear to be seen throughout the team, however, by the end of the first lap Keystone had moved clear into first position and was approximately 1 minute ahead of its nearest rivals.
At the end of race 1 Keystone had successfully retained first position, achieving the overall fasted lap. After completing 9 laps of the Goodwood motor circuit the team beat off its nearest competitor by an impressive distance of 2.4 miles.
The second race was much the same, another clear win for Keystone with Team Captain Jordan Heavy from Fareham passing the winning post with the chequered flag flying, saluting the crowd in appreciation for all the support given on the day. Keystone again achieving the furthest distance and fasted recorded lap time.
In all the team collect a near perfect haul of 1st place trophies including race 1 winners, race 2 winners, fasted overall lap and winning team much to the delight of all team members and supporters.
As part of the tour of HMS Sultan’s engineering facilities the group were also presented with special certificates to commemorate their training by Commander Sophie Shaughnessy, the Executive Officer of HMS Sultan.
Submarine Air Purification Instructor, Chief Petty Officer Mike Woods had worked with the group throughout the project at HMS Sultan and was there to see the team go on to the podium to receive their awards.
He said: “To see this team come together over the last 10 weeks has been a complete joy. The students have clearly seen what hard work and dedication brings.”
“These youngsters have demonstrated a serious amount of potential during this project and I sincerely hope that I and the Royal Naval team who have been working with them have provided them with positive role models and the inspiration to succeed in all that they do”.