SUN Racing FS' open evening a success

On 19th April the University of Sunderland’s Formula Student team, Sun Racing, held their annual open evening alongside Isle of Man TT team, Weardale Racing. This year’s launch was the third successive event following a successful partnership that was formed in 2016.

The open evening, held at the University’s Industry Centre, saw Sun Racing’s 2017 and 2018 cars on display as well as Weardale Racing’s TT race bikes.  There were also presentations from Sun Racing team leaders to showcase their work, demonstrating how they are working to improve on last year’s position at Formula Student UK, in July. A raffle was also held in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance. In attendance were members of Sun Racing’s 2017-2018 team, family and friends of the students, sponsors and Ian ‘Pixie’ Pattinson, team owner and rider for Weardale Racing, who rode the Isle of Man’s 37.7 mile course at an average speed close to 125mph at the weekend. As part of the partnership between the two team’s members of Sun Racing accompanied Weardale Racing to the Isle of Man TT at the end of May.

Faculty advisor, Roger O’Brien said “Once more in 2018 we have teamed up with Weardale Racing, our local privateer Isle of Man TT team, and members of Sun Racing will travel to the TT to support and work with Ian, a former Manx GP winner. The team members will help Ian in all aspects of his preparation in conjunction with his own team of mechanics (one of whom is our University Automotive Technician, Paul Smith). This is a truly amazing experience for the students.”

For more information and to follow the journey of both team’s as they prepare for their 2018 competitions follow Weardale Racing on Facebook and Sun Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@sunracingfs).