Written by Mark Mcalary
Track Day 26th May 2025
The team conducted a full day of testing at Sydney Motorsport Park with the purpose of evaluating more potential competition drivers for the upcoming FSAE-A season. The focus was on collecting benchmark data across autocross and endurance sessions, assessing consistency, adaptability, and overall handling under competition-style conditions.
The morning began with a shakedown to confirm the vehicle is running fine and gather initial reference laps. Once all good to go, the autocross runs got underway, allowing each driver to demonstrate agility, braking control, and responsiveness through a technical cone layout. While some struggled with cone placement and gates, many showed strong pace and adaptability, particularly when considering it was their first experience in the car. Simulator experience was evident and, although there were mistakes, the potential for development was clear.
The afternoon was dedicated to endurance testing, focusing on consistency over longer stints and the ability to maintain concentration under pressure. Lap times varied, but several drivers displayed strong rhythm and improvement across their runs. A handful of black flags were issued for errors, yet each stint provided valuable learning opportunities and highlighted the standard required for competition. Minor technical interruptions, such as throttle response issues and error codes, were quickly addressed, ensuring that testing continued with little disruption. The final stint was completed under light rain and reduced battery charge, creating more challenging conditions that tested adaptability and composure.
By the end of the day, the team had gathered a wide range of performance data that will guide future driver selection and strategic planning. While accuracy and cone management remain areas to refine, the overall progress was highly encouraging, with clear signs of potential in both pace and driver development. The day also reaffirmed the car’s reliability and provided insight into performance under changing track conditions.
Overall, the track day was a strong success, delivering valuable lessons for both drivers and engineers. The data collected will serve as a critical foundation as the team continues its preparation for the FSAE-A competition, building confidence in the program and excitement for the season ahead.
