IT'S the final countdown for Thanet's green machine, a battery powered car designed and built by a team from Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate.

Last minute checks have been made to the vehicle that represents Kent and Essex in the national final of the Ford Greenpower challenge at the world famous 'glorious Goodwood' circuit on Sunday (October 5).

Ranked 14th nationally out of 150 teams, the car called 'British racing Green' lines up against 67 other finalists on the grid of the 2.4 mile circuit for the six-hour marathon.

To be competitive, the car must be light and free-running. A team of drivers took the wheel for hour-long stints, with pit stops allowed for changing drivers, batteries and running repairs.

School chief technician and team leader Lester Edmeades said: "We are hoping to improve our standing and finish in the top five, and a podium position would a fantastic achievement.

"We have been practicing our pit stops and have managed to save a few seconds there and our batteries are on charge, so as long as we don't have six hours of torrential rain like last year I think we are in for a good day.

"Competition will be tough and we are up against some high-spec, purpose-built and expensive entries but our home-grown entry is proving its worth and we will give the others a run for their money."

The competition is designed to attract pupils to technology, science and engineering through the active participation of a team designing, building and racing their own electric cars.