An all-girls team of students from Blue Mountains Grammar School qualified for the state finals of one of the world's largest high school science and technology competitions.
Collision Racing teammates Julia Chabros, Maddison Traynor, Charlotte Toose-Cutler, Emma Hunter and Julie Lao won the schools and regional level F1 in Schools competitions to earn their place in the NSW knockout at Newcastle University from November 4-6.
So far this year the F1 in Schools competition has involved nine million participants in 31 nations. It sees students design and race to-scale cars capable of travelling at 80km/h.
Collision Racing's design engineer Julia Chabros took a novel approach to the team's car and said it was "inspired by a Roseate Spoonbill because it's aerodynamic, majestic and pink!"
The car completed the 20m track in just over one second and was only 0.03 seconds off the fastest time of the day.
To produce their car the girls mastered 3D design software, 3D printing and computer numeric control.
The next round of competition introduces team uniforms and pit displays, which have been eagerly planned by the girls.
The rules dictate that teams raise money to pay for entry fees, accommodation, travel expenses and materials.
The team's marketing manager Charlotte Toose-Cutler has begun a fundraising campaign, but more money is required to make their trip to Newcastle possible.
"We've been really fortunate with fundraising and we hope to further our success with sponsorship from local businesses," she said.
If the team progresses, they will be entered into the national finals to be held as part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Team manager Maddison Traynor said "Australia needs to see more women in the field of engineering and I have faith in our team that we will be in Melbourne."
More information and a copy of the team's sponsorship prospectus, visit facebook.com/collisionracing or phone the school on 4757 9000.
