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Autosport International – The Racing Car Show

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Friday the 13th, a day that conjures up thoughts of dread and fear in many a person. But for the Motor Vehicle students of Reaseheath it was a day to look forward to. Our annual pilgrimage to the NEC for the Autosport show was finally going to be underway.

Whether you are into Rally cars or Formula 1, it’s all there. The stars are on hand for autographs and presentations. Grand unveilings of new Grand Prix cars and Rally giants, the live action arena with pit girls parading to distract you from the thrills and spills of the on track action.

If you’re into modifying cars then this is the place to see what everyone has to offer. Engine parts, suspension parts, trick brakes or gearboxes, you name it, it’s here. From modern supercars to multimillion pound classics for auction you cannot fail to find something that stirs you. Universities from all around the country pedal their HE courses for those that wish to train to higher levels. Race circuits, race organisers and manufacturers are here promoting all the support they give to motor racing.

Some of the students managed to challenge the staff to some remote control car racing, the result? Instructor, Graeme Smith won by over a lap.

If none of that is to your fancy you can always try and improve your functional skills communication, looks like these guys listened plenty in that lesson.

This is the third trip the students have been on this year and they have really done the college proud on each occasion. Planning for trip number four is well under way.

Wales Rally GB

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21 students and 3 staff left Reaseheath at 6:30am last Friday for the World Rally Championships final round, being held in North Wales.  Arriving at the Dyfnant Forest stage near Lake Vyrnwy in the morning mist was a precursor to an action packed day.

As we arrived early we chose to start the day with bacon butties for all, cooked on the trusty Student Services BBQ. This gave us all a hearty start to a 2 ½ mile walk along the route of the race to a tight and twisty section where we watched the morning action. Several students later chose a slightly higher vantage point as stones thrown up by the passing cars threatened expensive dental work.

After the WRC cars passed through we all walked a mile back towards the minibuses as the fog came down. For the National Rally we stood along a very high speed gravel section and watched everything from brand new Evo’s to 1970’s Ford Escort RS2000’s. We were all amazed to see some fantastically spirited driving of these older machines and many were faster through the stage than modern rally cars with 4 wheel drive.

Lunch time saw a return to the minibuses for a headcount and more BBQ food. At 3:30 we all headed back to the track and watched the WRC cars come through for a second time as the rain came and darkness fell. The highlight of the day was watching World Champion, Sebastian Loeb literally fly through the stage at impossible speed at the head of the field with headlights blazing.

All the students set an exemplary example for behaviour and we are all looking forward to better weather for our return trip next year!