Race Day - Dunsfold 2025
Our Greenpower team had an incredible debut race day at the Dunsfold Aerodrome on the 14th September 2025, where months of hard work and preparation came together. After passing scrutineering and completing practice runs, our drivers delivered a strong performance across two endurance races, battling through both mechanical challenges and heavy rain. The highlight of the day was winning the Portfolio Award for our Engineering Notebook, marking a proud achievement for HABS in its very first Greenpower event.
The Start
Our Greenpower race day began with a one-hour journey in the school minibus, driving through the aerodrome to reach the paddock area. Once we arrived, the whole team worked together to unload the car, tools, and equipment before setting up our gazebo as our base for the day.
With the pit area prepared, we attached the car’s nose cone and hood before heading to scrutineering. The scrutineering officials carefully checked the car to ensure it met all safety and technical requirements. We passed the inspection successfully and also submitted our team’s Engineering Notebook, written by Saish.
Practice
The next stage of the day was practice. Each driver had a 20-minute session to familiarise themselves with the car and track conditions. During this time, we also tested our radio communication system, checked the batteries with a multimeter, and adjusted tyre pressures to optimise performance. The engineering team decided to change the sprocket in an attempt to increase the car’s speed, while the rest of the team prepared for the first race.
As race time approached, most of the team moved down to the track to push the car onto the grid, while others stayed in the paddock to analyse lap times and monitor the weather.
Race One
Sam took the opening stint and got the team off to a flying start, recording our fastest lap of the day at 2 minutes and 5 seconds. After a smooth pit stop, Aeshan continued, achieving consistent lap times of around 2 minutes and 6 seconds, though it was clear the car was beginning to slow.
Anay then took over and managed an excellent start, but the car began to lose power as the race went on. Despite the difficulties, he showed great determination to keep the car moving and bring it across the line. We finished 11th overall in the first race.
Race Two
After a short break, repairs, and a battery change, we returned to the grid for the second race. This time, Anay started and drove superbly, climbing through the field and finishing his 40-minute stint in second place.
Aeshan took over, but after some laps we quickly realised that Sam would be better suited to the changing conditions. At the next pit stop, we swapped drivers, putting Sam back in. By this time, heavy rain had started, making the track slippery and reducing control. Despite worsening conditions and fading battery power, Sam kept the car running steadily. While several teams failed to finish, his focus and resilience ensured that we crossed the line once again.
Prizegiving
When the chequered flag fell, the whole team ran to celebrate with him on the track—it was a moment of pride and excitement for us all.
After the races, we packed away the gazebo, tools, and equipment, and gathered for the prize giving. To our delight, we won the Portfolio Award for our Engineering Notebook, written by Saish. This was a huge achievement, especially as it was the very first time Habs had competed in a Greenpower event. We proudly took team photos to capture the moment before beginning our journey back to school.
Conclusion
Overall, the day was an unforgettable experience. From setting up in the morning to celebrating in the rain, every member of the team contributed through hard work, determination, and teamwork. We learned a great deal about endurance racing, the performance of our car, and the importance of preparation and adaptability. Winning an award on our debut was the perfect reward for the effort put in by everyone, and we left feeling both proud and inspired for future races.
