Some say that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The STEM minds in motorsport know that when Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths come into play, straight-line speed is about all the complex designs, calculations, simulations and preparation that happen behind the scenes, before rubber hits the road on race day! For the thirteenth year, the science of speed continues at the 2023 Simola Hillclimb, a premier motorsport event in South Africa that has gained accelerated traction among speed lovers in South Africa across the globe.
This year the Knysna Festival of Speed, organisers of the Simola Hillclimb, is proud to announce its social responsibility partnership with Future Ones NPC to launch of its flagship programme, F1 in Schools South Africa, over the Hillclimb weekend. F1 in Schools offers a pathway for South African pupils to direct their talent, passion and career aspirations through a global, educational STEM challenge that is fully supported by the Formula One teams and community.
“As part of our social responsibility strategy, we are excited to collaborate with Future Ones and fully support the pupil-pinnacle vision. The F1 in Schools programme is a good initiative that will help to get the next generation involved in motorsports and motorsports events, where a variety of skills are needed for success.”
– Ian Shosbree, Managing Director, Knysna Speed Festival
F1 in Schools is an extra-curriculum programme for school pupils aged 6 to 19 who compete in teams of 3 or 6 to design, make and race a car on a mobile track using CAD software, custom model blocks and components. Technical and Competition Regulations govern the programme to ensure consistency across all teams and all countries. Over the years, selected participants from various countries have achieved their dreams and been invited to work with F1 teams, including Red Bull, Mercedes, Williams and Aston Martin. The window of opportunity is now open to young South Africans who start the journey at school.
Teams can participate only or choose to compete in the national competition. It all comes down to sponsorships and effective cost management. Income generated through sponsorships is invested in funding teams, as well as administration, promotion and growth of both the programme and the national competition. In the SA model, partnerships with industry, engineering schools and motorsport teams are key for the consistent programme delivery, transfer of technical knowledge and research, sharing team management experience and mentorships from industry professionals. Every generation can get involved, from school participants and corporate sponsors to STEM experts, teachers, professionals and racers, both active and retired.
“Quality, STEM education and industry-fit professional skills are needed to keep the wheels of excellence and passion turning in the rapidly evolving automotive industry and the aspirational world of motorsports. F1 in Schools offers a passport for high-potential, South African pupils to strive and reach for their dream jobs at the pinnacle of motorsport, in STEM industries or beyond. In a focussed way, participants learn about teamwork, fair play, high performance and high accountability – attributes that are required for success.
We cannot go far without industry support. We are delighted to launch F1 in Schools South Africa at the 2023 Simola Hillclimb and welcome this purpose-driven partnership with Knysna Speed Festival.”
– Roshni Gajjar, Founder and Director, Future Ones
Visit the Future Ones team on Saturday 6th May, above the pitlane area, to hear more about F1 in Schools and how you, your school, your organisation or race team can get involved.
About Future Ones NPC
StratAstute Future Ones is a not-for-profit company, registered in South Africa and official licence holder of the F1 in Schools programme, a global STEM programme that is offered schools across 52 countries, including South Africa. The strategic focus is on purpose-driven, applied STEM education programmes for motorsports and allied industries in South Africa as of inspiring next generation success in the world of motorsports, automotives and beyond. Future Ones NPC is based in the Eastern Cape, the engine of South Africa’s automotive and component industry and a region rich in motorsport history, being the home-province of 1979 Formula One World Champion, Jody Scheckter, the Aldo Scribante Raceway in the Nelson Mandela Bay and of the East London race circuit which hosted the South African Grand Prix in 1934, 1936-1939, 1960 to 1963, 1965 to 1966.
For more information, visit: https://stratastute.co.za/future-ones/
About F1 in Schools South Africa: https://stratastute.co.za/what-is-f1-in-schools/
About the 2023 Simola Hillclimb
The thirteenth edition of the Simola Hillclimb will take place in Knysna, South Africa during May 2023, with Classic Car Friday taking place on 5 May, followed by King of the Hill on Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 May. From humble beginnings and a big vision, the event has become an iconic attraction for competitors, spectators and broadcast viewers from around the globe.
This year’s line-up includes big names including former Formula One driver Mika Salo in the Mercedes-AMG A45S in Road Car and Supercar category, two-time WRX and WRC champion Petter Solberg in 2018 title-winning WRX Supercar and his brother, Henning Solberg, who will race alongside his younger brother in the recently launched VW Golf R.
About Simola Hillclimb: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/
About Simola Hillclimb’s Social Responsibility programmes: https://www.speedfestival.co.za/info/social-responsibilty/
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