Some of the best young engineering minds from south-west Sydney visited Nepean Engineering last week for the regional final of the F1 in Schools Challenge.

Teams of students from six local high schools were pitted against each other in the competition to design, build and race a scale model, CO2-powered Formula One car.

The winning team on the day was the Nepean Engineering supported, Rocket Jockeys from Picton High, who now move on to represent the region in the State titles in October. The team comprises students Cameron Shanahan, Liam Simpson, Samantha White, Luke Hilliar and Wade Lancaster.

The F1 in Schools Challenge is an engineering and design action-learning program implemented in high schools around the world. Australia is a world-leader in the program, with an enviable history of success.

Nepean Engineering has been involved both as a school mentor for a number of years, and this year worked alongside the team from Picton High providing engineering and production advice.

“We now look forward to helping the Rocket Jockeys get ready for the State titles,” says Nepean Engineering’s Production Manager, Steve Cantrill.

“I’d like to congratulate all the teams in this year’s regional competition. The standard was very high and speaks volumes for the commitment and skills of the teachers, students and sponsors involved.”