Hummingbird prepares for the first regional heat of the season.
Ladies and gentlemen, rev your engines and fasten your seatbelts because Hummingbird, our beloved Formula 24 racing car, is gearing up for an exhilarating new season! Race number one is taking place on Sunday 26th of May at RMB Chivenor in the hope to achieve qualification for the international final held in Goodwood in October. The pit crew has been buzzing with activity, and we've got some hilarious and heart-racing updates to share.
First off, let's talk about the major upgrade: we've replaced the motor with a brand new one to boost efficiency. Now these do not come cheap, so a huge thank you to our sponsors BD for their continued support! During the de-installation of the old motor, we experienced a small mishap (as is tradition in the world of racing). Picture this: sticky thermal paste everywhere. It was like being caught in a giant glue trap! Then it was the turn of the new motor and Miss Cook, ever the adventurer, gave us quite a scare when she accidentally bypassed the speed controller. For a moment, Hummingbird could only go at top speed – not exactly playground-friendly, unless you're training for an Olympic sprint!
In addition to the souped-up motor, we've addressed the infamous horn issue. The old one was a bit unreliable, but the new horn is loud enough to wake the neighbours! So, whether we're overtaking you on the track or just saying hello, you'll definitely hear us coming.
Our rookie drivers have been putting in the hours on the newly fixed playground, navigating a rollercoaster of emotions as they prepare for their first race. Nerves, excitement, and everything in between – it's all part of the journey. Meanwhile, the performance team has been tirelessly testing every battery to find the best ones for the big day. As always, Rupert – our perennial underperformer – continues to surprise us by being consistently...well, terrible. But hey, it's all about finding the best of the best, right?
Looking sharp is half the battle, and our branding team has been hard at work designing new overalls, t-shirts, and hoodies to ensure we look as fast as we feel. The first batch of overalls was a bit too generous in sizing – our drivers looked more like they were auditioning for a circus act than a race. Rest assured, resizing is underway, and we hope to have them fitted perfectly before the starting flag drops!
We know many of you are eager to follow our progress on race day. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at hummingbird.f24 for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes antics, and live event details.
Follow the teams' timings here on race day, Sunday 26th May.
Get ready to cheer on Hummingbird as we race into a new season with high spirits and even higher speeds. Onwards and upwards – let’s make this season one to remember!