With the Greenpower season now drawn to an end this year can now be reflected, but before that I must go back to the start of summer, and with it the beginning of the planned modifications to Ampherrous.
After the less than par performance at Silverstone there was clearly some work needed to try bridge the gap between us and the top runners. This began with addressing the issue of the electrics.
This was as simple as purchasing a new switch specifically designed for use with our motor controller, the issue with the brakes however was not so quickly fixed.
It was decided that the v brake set-up was just not good enough, and in order to pass the scrutineers push test the, pads had to be so tight they rubbed on the wheels. This caused huge rolling resistance and was one of the main reasons why the car was so slow at Silverstone. With this in mind the brakes where moved to the front, build into hub brakes, which not only worked 10 times better, but aloud the the wheels to spin freely when the brakes where not applied.
With this done attentions where placed on the aerodynamics. With length being a design issue due to transport reasons, a long pointy tail was not really an option, however covering some of the cockpit was. With the large opening a vast amount of air could circulate inside causing drag, but limiting the size of the cockpit with a windscreen not only lowered this but also helped direct air over the helmet of the driver.
With these modifications done September hit and we were ready for our first race since Silversone at a track I'm very familiar with, Merryfield.
To cut a long story short, Merryfield was a great day! We increased our speed by more than 5mph and due to a dramatic increase in reliability left with 3 championship points. However was only able to finish 6th of 7 showing there was still some fundamental issues that had not been addressed. Unfortunately though these were not to be addressed as this is where this years racing ended, and by being unable to attend Castle Combe, unfortunately we did not qualify for the final. It was a huge shame considering how things started to look up with Ampherrous but some things are unavoidable.
This brings us to now, and the reflection on the season.
First things first, it was much better than last year! Even though we did not race in the final (technically we didn't last year either) I would take 3 points from one race and not qualify, than qualify with none and have the belt snap on the start line.
Secondly, and following on from the first, we gained 3 points this year, something I set out to achieve this year and one thing I am very proud of considering the level of the competition.
Finally and in my mind the best thing to come of this year is we went out there and raced! Putting your name to something can be a daunting thing so going off on my own was a big step but I'm proud to give my name sake to Hampton Racing and very proud of this years results.
Juggling uni and Greenpower is not easy and I have to give the biggest thanks of the year to Andy Murray, as without his dedication back at HQ we would never have got out on the track! No we didn't walk away with a trophy but as I always say, with each race a lesson is learnt, and these are finally now being put to good use.
On a more sad note I have to announce the retirement of Ampherrous from the Hampton Racing team, but she will be looked after well when she is taken to Worcestershire to race in F24. Its sad for all of us here that we were unable to see her race at her best, but it will be a proud moment when she is sat on the start line of next years final!
This is not the end for Hampton Racing though, thoughts now look toward next year and with it what I feel the turning point in our Greenpower campaign. The unavailing of A2!
This year I am completing my final year at uni so with the increased work load we will be unable to race at Silverstone but as my final year project is composite design, I will be manufacturing a full composite monocoque! Updates in the progress of the car will be regularly posted here and with any luck next September will see a race-able car come to life.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us this year, again a huge thanks to Andy, and to all our sponsors, as without their funding we couldn't even hope to race.
I know I said this last year but next year things will be different, so watch this space...!
