By KATH GANNAWAY
IT HAPPENS to the best of motor sport racers – a spill in the crucial early stages of a race.
When Upper Yarra Secondary College’s Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) junior team faced just that scenario in the early stages of the first round of the 2016 Victorian HPV Series at Casey Fields two weeks ago, they persisted, got back on the track, and notched up some impressive lap times.
The school has run the HPV program since 2013, initially as an elective but now it is an extra-curricular activity which teacher and team leader, Katie Feagan, says is a statement about the commitment the team has to the project.
It also says something about the commitment of the parents, with races held on weekends.
More than 100 school teams competed in the first round, hosted by the Casey Cardinia Cycling and HPV Club on 27 February.
The challenge tests the ingenuity, teamwork and physical fitness of the competitors, while promoting sustainable energy practices.
The students said although they bought the vehicle – officially known as a recumbent trike – they designed the livery and regularly maintain and improve the vehicle.
Student Ashlee Shotter said it was a great challenge.
“When I first joined the HPV team, I wasn’t sure if it was for me,” she said.
“But once I went to my first race, I knew I would continue with it because it was so much fun.”
Team-mate Riley Foy agreed. “HPV racing is a great challenge, where you have to push yourself physically and be really determined,” he said.
The next meeting is at Knox in April, and the school is hoping to have a senior team compete at this event.
