CANADIAN TEAM HEADS TO F1 IN SCHOOLS WORLD FINALS

Porsche-sponsored high school students focuson attracting students to engineering

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - Five Canadian high school students sponsored by Porsche Cars Canada are heading to Singapore this month to participate in the F1 in Schools World Finals, held from September 18-24. The "Eclipse" team - students Adrian Hagar, Rebecca Chu, Joanna Ni, Benjamin Tran and Anthony Wong, supported by teacher Mark Mueller - hails from Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute in the eastern suburbs of Toronto.

At the national competition held in April of 2009, the Dr. Norman Bethune team beat approximately 15 other teams from across Canada to become the Canadian national champions, defeating the previous title holders by over 20 points out of 300. Formed last September, the team not only hopes to win the world finals, but also to attract attention towards the technology and engineering disciplines at the high school level.

"Like all teams, we are hoping to bring the big trophy home to Canada," said Benjamin Tran, the team's manager. "But we also have our eyes set on the Marketing and Fastest Car awards, and we want to spread interest in technology and engineering education."

"As a school-based technology challenge, what is exciting about the F1 in Schools program for students is the requirement to use their knowledge and skills in many areas," added Mark Mueller, teacher advisor. "The challenge requires that team members take on leadership positions in five key areas, bringing together students from a variety of interests. As a teacher, it is fantastic to see the team members supporting each other in their area of expertise."

"We're proud to support Dr. Norman Bethune's Eclipse team and wish them the best in Singapore," said Joe Lawrence, President and CEO of Porsche Cars Canada. "Their lightweight, aerodynamic race car shows innovative thinking and parallels our principle of Porsche Intelligent Performance. Their success in all areas of the competition in Canada also bodes well for their prospects at the world championship."

Dr. Norman Bethune's 1/20-scale Eclipse F1 car went through an extensive, year-long development program focused on building the fastest, sleekest car possible. Many variations of the body design were researched and tested, with the team focusing on innovative shapes that pushed the edge of the technical regulations, which were constantly evolving. The team used the latest CAD/CAM software and performed digital simulations before actually manufacturing the CO2-powered race car.

The main body of the car is crafted from balsa wood, the same extremely light material used in the shift levers of the legendary 917 race car and Carrera GT supercar. Strong but fragile to work with, the balsa body was CNC-machined and finished with automotive primer, which allowed the sanding and finishing to achieve a smooth exterior surface. Ultra-light carbon fibre, used on Porsche road cars such as the 911 GT2 RS, is used for the team's airfoil and even its wheels, providing a hard, smooth running surface with a low moment of inertia. Full-ceramic ball bearings and silicon-carbide guides further reduce the car's friction when racing.

F1 in Schools, first established in 2000, is a worldwide technology challenge involving nine million students. At this year's world finals, held September 18-24 in Singapore, 26 teams from 18 different countries will compete for the ultimate prize, the F1 in Schools World Championship and scholarships to City University, London. In addition, there are 16 other awards, with the Marketing Award and the Fastest Car Award always closely contested. A team's overall score comes not only from the performance of its car, but also from its scores in team marketing, portfolio development, and verbal presentation.

Note: for more information, including race timings, team information and standings and all news releases related to the World Finals, visit www.f1inschools.com.

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For further information: Laurance Yap, 416-450-4399, [email protected]