By Cróna Esler – Western People – 13^th February 2007

Pictured are the Claremorris team "Ice Fusion", who are hoping to secure their place in the National Finals of the Honda F1 in Schools Technology Challenge this week. Back row(l-r): Andrew Finn, Bryan Carey, Brian McDermott and Alan Benson. Front row(l-r): Keith Cawley and John Parsons

THE students of St. Colman’s College in Claremorris are all revved up and ready to take the nation by storm, as they prepare to travel to the regional finals of the Honda F1 in Schools Technology Challenge. The Regional Finals take place this Thursday (Februaury 15) but already the lads have their sights set on the National Finals, which are due to take place in Dublin next month.

A team of six from the Claremorris school, calling themselves “Ice Fusion” have been busy preparing for the Challenge and are now all set for Thursday. Ice Fusion is comprised of Andrew Finn, Keith Cawley, John Parsons, Brian McDermott, Alan Benson and Bryan Carey, and together, the team will be required to make an aerodynamic model F1 car, which will be raced against other CO2 powered cars.

This exciting competition involves students gaining an insight into 3D modelling, virtual wind tunnels, graphic design, project management, fund raising, computer-aided manufacturing, sponsorship and teamwork, all of which is similar to that of the professional F1 teams.

This year’s International Finals are due to be held in Melbourne, Australia in March 2007 and the winning car will be judged on speed, design and the school team’s full project presentation. The overall winning team at the International Finals will receive stunning prizes, including The Bernie Ecclestone Trophy and a three-year full scholarship to study Motorsport and Automotive Engineering at the City University of London.

The Claremorris lads however won’t be competing for Melbourne, but rather will be hoping to go forward to the International finals in Florida in 2008.

Ice Fusion are adamant that they will be a step ahead of their competitors when it comes to the competition and with this in mind, they have designed a team website, which can be accessed at www.icefusionf1.com. The website is already up and running and now, their main objective is to get ready for their big day. The team’s Marketing Manager, Brian McDermott, is organising sponsorship from the local town and surrounding area and they are hopeful that with this sponsorship, they will be able to get merchandise such as team jackets, t-shirts and biros.

Ice Fusion were in the Milling Department of GMIT last week for design tutorials and to get the opportunity to take a look at show models being made and cars being tested. All participating schools also get free computer design software with which to form their creation, with weight and size restrictions allowing for a fair completion.

More information on the Claremorris team can be found on www.icefusionf1.com, while information on their upcoming challenge can be found on www.f1inshools.ie