Motorsport Racing Teams
Contents
At the ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½, our Motorsport Engineering programmes offer an exciting blend of hands-on experience, cutting-edge technology, and real-world competition. Our students don’t just learn in the classroom – they apply their skills on the racetrack, working alongside professionals in a competitive motorsport environment.
Motorcycle Racing
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staff led
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student run
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student staffed
This year, we are thrilled to introduce our very first UWTSD-backed racing team, competing in the NGRRC (North Gloucester Road Racing Club) championship. Our team will be contesting the Supertwin category with Brody Crockford riding an Aprilia RS660. In the GP1 Mono class, UWTSD staff member Ian Henshaw will compete on a Honda NSF250.
Through technical partnerships with Coryton Sustain Fuels and Fuchs Silkolene, our team benefits from sustainably produced bio-gasoline and professional-grade lubrication, offering further learning opportunities in green technologies. Additionally, GB Racing provides crash protection while HMY Customs in Carmarthen supplies the teamwear.
Skills Highlight
Our students gain invaluable experience in race preparation, team management, and optimisation.
MCR Racing
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Student led
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Student run
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Student staffed
Since the late 1990s, UWTSD has been a pioneer in motorsport education, launching the world’s first Motorsport Engineering degree. Our students have actively competed in national motorsport from the start, initially racing a Darrian in the British GT Championship and later participating in Formula Renaults within Monoposto.
Today, we compete in the Sports 2000 championship with two MCR Sports Prototypes, allowing students to apply lecture-based theory in a live, competitive environment. With guidance from lecturer Tim Tudor, technicians, and professor of practice John Iley – who also competes in one of the cars – students benefit from expert mentorship throughout the season.
Our student-led team is involved in every aspect, from vehicle development to finance, project management, and public relations. With guidance from lecturer Tim Tudor, technicians, and professor of practice John Iley – who also competes in one of the cars – students benefit from expert mentorship throughout the season.
Students practise real engineering, competing against industry professionals.
Our team is involved in everything, from vehicle development to finance, project management, and public relations.
Developing Expertise
Chassis and Suspension
Students conduct kinematic analysis using WinGeo software and investigate torsional stiffness through Finite Element Analysis and rig testing, honing their understanding of chassis performance.
Race Simulation
Our Driver-in-the-Loop simulator, featuring a 180-degree wraparound screen and professional-grade steering and pedals, allows students to simulate race conditions and test setups. From track familiarisation to testing gear ratios and exploring development options, this simulator plays a key role in race preparation without leaving campus.
Component Manufacture
In our workshop, students use lathes, mills, fabrication tools, and 3 and 5 axis CNC machines to remanufacture components for the race team, enhancing their manufacturing skills.
Race Preparation
Students handle the car’s maintenance and race preparation, including an annual stripdown, non-destructive testing, and rebuild. They also manage race setup and damper testing using our in-house SPA damper dynamometer.
Data Analysis
Students analyse race data using Motec and Racelogic Vbox systems, which log parameters such as throttle position, steering, and damper movements. This data helps engineers optimise setups and refine simulation models for better performance on the track.
Aerodynamics
Our students developed a bespoke aerodynamic package using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), which was validated through wind tunnel testing. This package, manufactured with MCR Race Cars, proved successful on track and has now been rolled out across the grid.
Morgan Motors
Our collaboration with the provides students with unique opportunities to work on high-profile engineering projects. Morgan has kindly donated a Plus Four (CX Generation) road test vehicle, which was entered by senior lecturer Tim Tudor into the 94th MCC Exeter Trial.
This marked the first time a Morgan with an aluminium CX-Generation platform competed in an MCC long-distance trial since the early twentieth century.
In line with our sustainable focus, the Plus Four was run on 100% sustainable fuel (SUSTAIN 100) provided by Coryton. Tim completed the trial with no issues, using a drop-in biofuel derived from recycled plant carbon.
Looking Ahead
Our students are developing further projects with Morgan, including: Transforming one Plus Four into a track vehicle for sprints and hill climbs. Another Plus Four is being adapted for sustainable fuel testing, while a third vehicle is under investigation for chassis torsional stiffness on our twist rig.
Your Path to Motorsport Success Starts Here!
At UWTSD, our Motorsport Engineering students gain more than just a degree – they gain real-world experience, practical skills, and the chance to work on professional racing projects that prepare them for the industry. Join us and become part of a programme that is driving the future of motorsport.
