Queen's Formula Racing News

FS08 off to a Slow Start

The first day is a time to get all the formalities out of the way, the biggest of which is scrutineering. To get a head start QFR send an advanced part to Silverstone the day before. Unfortunately all other teams did the same and when scrutineering finally opened we only managed to get to position 36 in the queue. With scrutineering taking over 1 hour per car it turned into quite a tedious, and often wet, experience. The queue moved very slowly, but at least it provided an opportunity to see all the other cars.

By the end of the day we still hadn't been scrutineered but were now third in the queue. Time to return to the pits until the next day.

Mixed Fortunes on Day 1

The first official day of competition was to be a busy time for QFR after failing to get through scrutiny yesterday. Ordinarily the car could have gone straight to the front of the scrutiny queue for the 8.30 am start, but this year's event schedule had QFR in for design judging first thing in the morning and this had to take precedence. The judging seemed to go reasonably well, with useful feedback from the judges afterwards.

After design it was straight into scrutineering to have the car checked for safety and eligibility. This is a very thorough process, with the car receiving a very thorough check over. The whole process took around one-and-a-half hours but was very successful as the car passed first time - one of only a hand full of cars to do so this year. After technical scrutiny the car was moved to the tilt table and then the noise test for further checks. Again, these were completed first time, and everything was looking rosy going into the last check - the brake test.

In parallel with the varying stages of scrutiny, was the business presentation. This year being delivered by Ian and Bernie. A brief run though beforehand was well delivered and looked like the ideal content. The presentation was delivered and feedback received. It's now a long wait for the results on the final day.

While the presentation was taking place it was off to the brake test for the final part of the pre-competition inspection. This had never proved a problem in the past and hopes were high for a pass. The car, driven by Robert Erwin, completed a few circuits to get heat into the brakes before entering the braking area. The car must lock all four wheels to complete the test. The brake light came on but instead of pulling up in a straight line, the car spun to the right, clearly indicating some sort of brake problem. It quickly become apparent that the the front-left brake disk had shattered, hence the spin. There was no option but to return to the pits for a closer inspection.

Work to repair the damage was an ongoing process for the rest of the day with only one intermission to attend the cost event. Again it seemed to go well, but the results would tell he real story. As the end of Day 1 closes the car has been repaired and is ready for another attempt at the brake test tomorrow morning.

Brake Problems Continue

Today saw the start of two days of dynamic events in the Formula Student schedule. The brake problems of yesterday delayed QFR's progress and the first order of the day was to attempt the brake test again and then hopefully move onto the dynamic events. Unfortunately it turned out to be not so straightforward. After two more identical brake failures, the situation needed a complete rethink.

After rummaging about in the spares box one of last year's uprights was recovered and work began on the manufacture and assembly of a hybrid front left upright assembly using parts of QFR07 and 08. The work continued all day and well into the evening, and after much effort the car was ready for a final attempt on the brake test; on the final morning of the event. If it passes tomorrow morning it will at least get a run in the endurance event.

QFR08 Finishes on a Positive Note

The brake problems continued on the final day with an identical failure on the fourth and final attempt at the brake test. With the last spare brake disk in pieces there was nothing left for the team but the Ricardo rolling road challenge. Confidence was once again high as the team had great faith in the engine's ability. The challenge is only for fun, but provides ample opportunity for bragging rights. With the early failure in the brake test QFR were early onto the rolling road and set highest power figure of 78 bhp. As teams completed the endurance they were free to risk their engine on the rolling road. A number of teams approached the QFR figure, but at the end-of-the-day only team from Aalborg could better it, and that was with the aid of a supercharger. So a reasonable end to the event.

Midfield Finish under Difficult Circumstances

The results have been posted and QFR managed a very creditable midfield finish after failing to make it to any of the dynamic events. Consistent scoring in the static events placed QFR among the top few teams out of the 25 teams that failed to make the dynamic events, and ahead of a number of teams that did make it onto the track.

The outlook for next year is positive, with a proven engine design and consistent performance in the static events, a top ten place is 2009 is a real possibility.

The final results can be viewed here