YOUNG racers from Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate, will be on the starting grid on Sunday, June 25, for the Kent heats of the nationwide Green Power battery car challenge and are expected to qualify for the UK finals at Goodwood race track in October.

And the team behind the racing certainties is now seeking expert help to give them an all-conquering edge to improve on their overall national championship position of third in the UK.

Team leader and school technician Lester Edmeades said: "We have designed and built our cars with some sponsorship but little professional expertise and have done remarkably well with determination and enthusiasm.

"Now we are seeking someone with aerodynamics design experience to help us get the very best from our cars – and that means helping us conquer the drag factor that holds us back by a few crucial seconds."

If you can help, contact Mr Edmeades at the school on 01843 598996.

The school team will field two cars - Aluuuuminum and I’ve Lost My Tractor - at the Kent heats at the county showground at Detling on June 25, with the six hour marathon due to run from 11am-5pm. Admission is free to watch the competition.

The competitors are secondary schools who have designed and built their own cars using identical free-issue 24-volt motors and 12-volt batteries supplied by Green Power.

They are made from a variety of materials from wood to aluminium. The race is to see which team can complete the most laps in six hours. All teams consist of six drivers and six pit-crew.

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

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.