IMI students at Silverstone

IMI Students at Silverstone

Apprentices at Warwickshire College’s Trident Technology Centre showed their mettle when they took part in the second gruelling Britcar 24 Hours of Silverstone earlier this month.

Acting as pit crew and refuellers for Porsche 944 team, BBG Racing, the group of ten lads put their technical ability and teamworking skills to the test under the watchful guidance of Ian Eustace, senior automotive lecturer at the college and chief race engineer, Ian Gorham, of Porsche specialist, County Classics.

Over 50 cars lined up for the UK’s Le Mans-style endurance marathon, with 11 competing in the hotly contested Production S1 class. BBG Racing’s Porsche 944, which finished the inaugural race in 2005 in 31st place, was delighted to have the support of Warwickshire College, an IMI approved centre.

The team made steady progress, achieving 24th place overall and 5th in class at half distance. With the team’s strategy being managed by IMI member, Shawn Taylor, of Norwich-based Shawn Taylor Racing and the car performing strongly, BBG Racing was looking at the prospect of a finish in the top twenty.

After six hours behind the safety car in dense fog during the Saturday night, the race was on for overall and class honours. BBG Racing battled hard and finally took the chequered flag in 16th place overall and an impressive 2nd in class, earning the team a fine podium, only 3 laps adrift of the class-winning Honda Civic TypeR.

Ian Eustace, automotive lecturer at Warwickshire College’s Trident Technology Centre, said: “Our students really proved themselves at this major event which is the ultimate endurance test in UK motorsport. It was a big day for them and it was pleasing to see how well they coped. The experience that BBG Racing has given them is absolutely priceless and I am sure it is something they will remember for a very long time and help them in achieving their career ambitions.”