A BUDDING race engineer is hoping to improve his school’s fortunes in a competition using skills he has learnt in motorsport.

Richmond sixth former Charlie Knox secured invaluable work experience with Track Speed Porsche in last year’s GT3 competition.

And as part of his A-level studies he has now been charged with creating a kart for the annual Green Power contest to be staged at Croft Circuit on July 7.

Last year Richmond School and Sixth Form won the standard kit car category but was placed 11th overall.

The teenager, of Richmond, has been working with experts Bill Cross, Doug Cartwright and Victoria Garth from Cummins Engines, Darlington, Andy Fisher of Newton Aycliffe-based Fab Shop Ltd and school DT teachers Tom Braham and Tristan Bainbridge, to produce a race-winning car.

The 17-year-old has already designed an aluminium frame that is a fraction of the weight of the standard kit’s 26kg.

He also plans to work on aerodynamic bodywork complete with Richmond School livery, which by coincidence is the same red and black branding as Cummins.

On race day the electric car will have to reach speeds of around 30mph and compete in a 90-minute competition and a 70-mile endurance run.