EB: Your 2008 vehicles: P-Knuckle and Magenta, were very similar to Flora Hill SC’s vehicles. How does that relationship work?
Tim: Flora Hill (now Bendigo South East) and Bendigo Senior have a very close relationship. The majority of 2008 was spent developing what we referred to as the “Super Mould”. It was a combined effort from our students (and Technology Staff) across the two schools to develop what we believe is a very impressive and competitive canopy. So, coming second to Flora Hill is more than acceptable for us!

I personally have been involved with the BSSC EB program since 2000 and have had various successes in both HPV’s and Hybrids. I know how difficult it is and how much commitment is needed by all to arrive with a vehicle let alone finish in the top 5 teams.

How things have changed:
Top: Bendigo Senior in 2000 - '4130 Racing'

Bendigo Senior in 2008 - 'P-Knuckle'

EB: What’s the most important concept you hope students learn?
Tim: There’s more than one aspect, but it really falls under the theme of teamwork. The ability to work within a team towards a common goal, to understand the benefits and power of a well organised and working team and that they learnt something about themselves - that they CAN do it

EB: What are your plans for 2009?
Tim: We will continue to:

• develop and refine our frame and vehicle geometry.
• develop our skills and knowledge of composite materials.
• push the boundaries of vehicle design and efficiency
• We will also continue to develop stronger relationships with our other feeder schools and help put Bendigo schools on the map as being the leaders in HPV development and our sport!

EB: What types of vehicles will you enter?
Tim: We will be producing three vehicles this year, two HPV’s and our first Hybrid since 2004. It will be an exciting year and one filled with all the usual challenges.

EB: How many kids do you have interested?
Tim: Well, there is a misconception that we can choose from our total school population of 1800 students, but the reality is a lot different!
At Bendigo Senior we have a VCE (Year 11 & 12) Design and Technology Class. The class average is 19 students and the male riders are chosen from these classes. We have a very strict ‘You Build it! You Ride It!’ policy.
Basically we have about 35-40 students that are eligible to be chosen in Bendigo Senior’s teams, which are chosen by the students themselves.

EB: What motivates you personally to keep being involved?
Tim: Proving that it CAN be done when others say that it is impossible!
A lot of our students are told that they can’t do things or that they would never have the technical skills. My motivation is the students. Giving students the confidence, encouragement, and opportunity to develop both individually and as a member of a team, fuels this motivation.