Home > Pictures and Stories > Kingswood: Evolving towards a podium? (2008)

Kingswood College really is one to keep an eye out for. Not only were they winners of the RACV Safety Award last year, but they also stunned the pants off those who were watching. Kingswood’s Evo crew raced to 7th overall and were 5th in their class last year. They see the Energy Breakthrough as the ‘ultimate stress release’ in year 12 as they push towards a possible podium finish.

EB (Energy Breakthrough): When did you start participating at the Breakthrough?

KC (Kingswood College): We started in 1998 and this is our seventh vehicle – hence the name ‘EVO VII’. When thinking of names we thought of evolution, and then ‘Evo’ just seemed to stick.

EB: What have you done differently this year as opposed to last year?
KC: We have kept the same vehicle design as it has worked so well for us so far, but we have kept modifying and developing it. Wheel alignment has been extremely difficult. We’ve bought a lot of new gear, haven’t really changed the shape, used some different materials, went from 5 speed to 10 speed, and wiped off ten kilograms!
It also doesn’t flip anymore. Last year we won the RACV safety award too - we have great brakes!

EB: Is the school taking part in EB as part of class at school, a club, or an extra-curricular activity?
KC: It’s a year 10 program. In the program we do design, development and construction. We also do a lot of work after school, and we train during sport and lunch time.

EB: What aspect of EB have you found most difficult so far?
KC: It is very high stress.
We often worry about scrutineering and the interpretation of the rules. We train pretty hard and our riders have given up lots of hobbies to focus on this. We believe that Energy Breakthrough is a unique event. Our experience of it is that it is different, fantastic, and really unbelievable.

EB: How have you raised money this year?
KC: We held fundraisers through school. We have also had a bit of funding from the school and sponsors. Some of our major sponsors are Metromotion, Cycle Science, Sandringham and Brighton Coaches, Budget Car Rentals, and family companies such as Nawkaw and OPC.

EB: What have been the rewards?
KC: Team work, there’ such a great build up throughout the year with riders from years 9 to 12 working together. We build special friendships and learn unique skills. It’s a way to release your stress in year 12 especially.
We wouldn’t be able to survive year 12 without it!

Below - L-R: EVO VI in action in 2007; The Kingswood College team have appreciated the time in the Wind Tunnel at RMIT at the past two CityLink Vehicle Efficiency Days; and the team in action during the 24 Hour Trial in 2007.

Article written by Breakthrough Reporter Ari King, 2008.
Images courtesy of The RACV Energy Breakthrough and Kingswood College

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