Ripley Valley Raptor Racers: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

And just like that, it's over.

After seven long months of relentless hard work and unwavering dedication, six students in the Ripley Valley State Secondary College (RVSSC) Go Kart in Schools program have crossed the finish line—literally and figuratively. Friday, 23 August, marked the culmination of their incredible journey as the Ripley Valley Raptor Race team hit the track with fierce determination and grit. Competing against 14 highly competitive teams, our students secured an impressive 4th place overall, missing the podium by just 2 points! Their outstanding performance left everyone, especially Mr Clarke, brimming with pride.

Congratulations to our talented team members: Mikayla M, Micaela S, Daniel K, Jaz H, Jackson S, and Nathan D.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting with little to no knowledge of competitive go-karting, these students went above and beyond, committing countless hours to build a go-kart from the ground up. The team faced numerous challenges along the way—each one met with determination and resilience. They learned to design, modify, build, test, and race their creation with limited resources and time, demonstrating remarkable growth in both technical skills and teamwork. Their perseverance and passion truly shone through on race day, reflecting the essence of what the Go Kart in Schools program is all about.

This was truly a community effort, and the success of the 2024 Ripley Valley Raptor Racers wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, suppliers, and the broader community. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who contributed to this year's program:

Sponsors:

• Direct Steel – Nick and the team, without you we would still be just a dream.
  First National Action Realty Ipswich – Glen, Lisa, and Liesa, jumping onboard and keeping us rolling.
• A&BG Clarke – Go kart frame, tyres, and technical expertise.

Suppliers, Supporters, and Organisers:

• Andrew D at Marist College – Primary organiser and keeper of the trophy.
• CPR Kart Parts – Supply of Kart parts and wealth of knowledge.
• On Guard Safety Training – Keeping us safe on the day.
• Ipswich City Dirt Kart Club – Allowing us to use the facilities
• Top Two Motos – Supply of our PPE.

Your contributions have been invaluable, enabling our students to push the boundaries of what they thought possible. The lessons they've learned—both on and off the track—will stay with them for years to come.

The Ripley Valley Racers would like to thank RVSSC for supporting the Race team and all staff who helped out with the project, including Mr Phillip, Mrs Stiles, and Mr Krueger.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the future, we're already planning for next year's program. With the experience gained and the lessons learned, the RVSSC Go Kart in Schools program is poised to reach even greater heights. We are excited to build on this year's success, continue fostering a spirit of innovation and teamwork, and inspire the next generation of students.

For students wishing to be involved, keep an eye out for the EOI later in the year.

If you or someone you know would be interested in supporting the team next year, please get in contact with us so we can make this an ongoing program.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!

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