THIRTEEN able, gifted and talented students participated in the formula schools electric car challenge.

Teams had to construct an electric powered model car to a tight specification and race it against other teams.

Each of St John’s teams, one boys, one girls, had to participate in two 10 minute heats hoping to fight through to the 20 minute endurance final.

The competition was hot, with many of the other teams having participated for three or more years. Team members, drivers, mechanics and supporters were confident.

Motors were checked, tyres selected and radio gear tested. The teams attended the drivers’ briefing, getting their first look at the opposition, the course and the weather conditions.

The rain bounced off the surface of the track, obscuring the view, soaking drivers and transmitters alike. Puddles reflected the cars and drivers, but spirits remained undaunted as the girls’ team lined up for their heat.

The tension mounted as Emily Thomasz prepared for the start. An unnatural hush descended, broken only by the sound of rain on the ground and the squelching of sodden shoes.

Their lights came on, they were off. They were back, they were round, they were off, and they were back again. The girls’ car was difficult, skittish in the conditions, evidently preferring to face its enemies.

Constructive teamwork saved the day, along with a change of driver and some brilliant lateral thinking under pressure. If the car wouldn’t go forwards maybe it would go backwards.

Replacement driver Emily James completed the heat in reverse gear competing for speed and precision with the other teams.

The boys were next. Drivers Austin Sceats and Jack Lodge tackled the increasingly difficult conditions with assurance.

The rain was at its heaviest, the car skidding and skating like a downhill skier.

They gave a brilliant account of themselves and finished in the running for the final.