Made Smarter Backs Unity Racing on the Road to Singapore

Made Smarter Yorkshire is proud to continue its support for Unity Racing, a team of six exceptional college students competing in the renowned F1 in Schools competition. As the reigning UK national champions, Unity Racing will once again take on the world stage this September, heading to Singapore for the highly anticipated global finals.

Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith said; “We need to do more to keep and nurture our young talent, connecting them with skills development, career pathways and quality employment. 

“I had the pleasure of meeting the team last year and was truly inspired by their ambition and determination. I’m proud to continue supporting Unity Racing as they prepare to represent us once again at the world finals this September.

“Following their national championship win and an impressive 10th place finish at last year’s world finals, the team continues to represent York, North Yorkshire, and the UK with pride. “I am immensely proud of the team and will be cheering them on, this recognition is a well-earned reward for their hard work and talent.”

Mike Pennington, Business Relationship Manager for the Made Smarter Yorkshire Programme, said; “We’ve been actively involved for the past two years, with our journey beginning at the Scarborough Science and Engineering Week in October 2023. The presence of Made Smarter at the event marked the start of our commitment to promoting manufacturing and Technology and reintroducing it into the educational curriculum.

As sponsors and regular attendees, now heading into our third consecutive year, we’ve focused on inspiring the next generation to explore this vital sector.”

When the Unity F1 Racing team approached Mike for support and sponsorship, it was an easy decision. As Mike put it, “I chose to support the dream and the journey, and we have never looked back.” Since then, Made Smarter Yorkshire has proudly supported their journey, from sponsoring their shirts, to introducing them to key contacts and local businesses to help raise the funds they need to progress.

The team recently competed in the World Finals in Saudi Arabia, finishing 10th worldwide. This year the Unity F1 team are heading to Singapore for another chance at the world finals, a huge milestone and a testament to their hard work and perseverance.

Mike continued; “The support from the community has been incredible, and we’re especially proud that Made Smarter Yorkshire has been there from the very beginning. This initiative has put our region, and the Scarborough UTC college, on the map. With continued fundraising efforts and community backing, we’re hopeful they’ll bring the trophy home from Singapore.

“Ultimately, this collaboration has been about more than just sponsorship, it’s about supporting the dream and the journey.”

Jack Metcalf, the team’s leader and principal design engineer said; “Made Smarter Yorkshire has been a huge support for us. Mike has an incredible network and a set of values that really align with our own. The partnership isn’t just support, it’s as a springboard that’s helped us grow. This experience has really pushed me forward in my career, I recently won a scholarship to study mechanical engineering at Aston University. It’s opened doors I never imagined.”

The impact of the programme on the students has been profound. Through managing projects, designing and manufacturing model F1 cars, and developing marketing strategies, they have gained invaluable technical and professional skills. Beyond engineering and design, the competition has helped them grow in confidence and develop skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.

If you want to know more about the Made Smarter programme, speak to Mike Pennington for tech support, digital road mapping and possible grant support to digitise your manufacturing business.