College students have been working to help the environment in collaboration with Buckmore Park karting circuit.

Motor Sport students from MidKent College and North West Kent College have spent a term researching how to adapt the circuit’s karts so that they can be run using alternative, environmentally-friendly fuels. The students will now test their ideas on sample engines provided by Honda.

The launch of the Kart Green Fuel (KGF) project was marked at a ceremony held last week. Buckmore Park owner, Bill Sisley, is keen to develop the circuit’s involvement with education and environmental improvement works.

“Around 150,000 people visit Buckmore Park every year” explained Mr Sisley, “so it is extremely important that we consider using fuels that are kinder to the environment. Our karts’ engines would need to be mechanically altered in order to make this possible, so I have called on the expertise of those at MidKent College and North West Kent College to help me.“

To aid the students in their research, Honda has supplied them with two engines, whilst Project1 has provided a kart chassis which can be used for testing purposes.

The learners will be building new parts for the engines before refurbishing them to make them suitable for use with the alternative fuels.

It is hoped that following extensive testing, Buckmore Park will be in a position to start using the new fuel-types next year.

Nick Kadis, who is studying for a National Diploma in Motor Sport at MidKent College’s Oakwood Park centre, is proud to be taking part in the project.

He said: “We’ve had to conduct a great deal of research into different fuel types, thinking about which are the most economical and environmentally friendly.

"Although these are practical considerations we have to make as part of our course, this project has allowed us to explore different fuels in much more depth.”

Adam Fill, 18 of Gillingham has been researching the use of hydrogen. “This whole project has opened my eyes to the different ways in which hydrogen can be used to aid transport.”

“Buckmore Park and MidKent College have demonstrated that they are moving with the times by trying to develop ways in which to use fuels that are kinder to the environment.”

Students who study Motor Sport at MidKent College spent one day per week at Buckmore Park as part of their course.

To find out more about courses at MidKent College call the Course Information Line on 01634 402020 or visit the website at www.midkent.ac.uk