The Bend 8 Hour – A brief recap | Norwood International High School

August 5, 2024

On Saturday 3 August, our Norwood International Pedal Prix team headed to the Shell V Power Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend for Round 4 of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series. Our 6 teams have had an extend break from racing over the holidays, and where keen to test themselves on the power hungry 3.41km track. A quick recap on the race and our results is below.

As the fog lifted on Saturday morning our riders and supporters were greeted by a day of stunning conditions, with light winds, and moderate temperatures. Norwood had 6 teams in the field of 200 trikes, with 50 of our students taking to the track during the day. The first stint riders for each team had to manage so slippery conditions with high moisture levels leading to windows fogging up and reduced visibility. Conditions improved and speeds increased as the race moved into hour two, and all our teams settled into competitive positions in their categories. The day was filled was some exceptional personal efforts which saw personal bests set for average speed and the length of rider stints.

The students detailed preparation and maintenance of the trikes each Tuesday evening helped to ensure limited mechanical issues with only a small year puncture causing any issues.

Team Engima – Had an incredible day at the track, despite a few early spins in the wet conditions, and a flat rear tyre causing two extra pit stops, the girls lead proudly by Mrs O’Brien held their nerve against a fast-moving Walford. Having been sitting in second for most of the day, an electric finish emerged as Enigma took the lead with 14-mins to go and held on for the Win. With Grace S (year 9) taking out the fastest lap in her final stint (4min 40sec, avg speed of 43km/h). An incredible 1st place and extension of their lead in the series.

Team Protégé – Stepped up in the middle school category for this race, with our year 7’s and 9’s coming together in preparation for Murray Bridge. John and old scholar Kawindu guided the boys smoothly through the day, with each rider rotating through for two 30-mins stints. A clear race plan saw them come home with a stunning Top 10 finish.

Team Spurls – Continued their consistent form across the season, with minimum rider numbers and a new rider racing for the first time they managed to squeeze out their stints and challenge Walford for the top spot in the Senior School Female Category. A tight battle continued, and the Team lead by Jo Hess pushed to the end, with Grace K (year 9) getting their fastest lap on their last lap of the race. A strong 2nd position and the girls continue to have the lead in the overall series.

Team Astro – Had a smooth outing, with the year 9 boys challenging Pembroke early for the lead. Tom B managed the slippery condition early with ease, and was then able to hand over to Jackson and Kobe to steady the team in 2nd position. A smooth race plan lead by Team Managers, Matt B and Nicole J saw each rider pushing their personal best and setting some smoking fast lap time in the second half of the race. A strong 2nd position in category, see the boys set up for an exciting ride for the series at Murray Bridge.

Team Focus – Was hot on the pace early, Luca (year 10) and Nick (year 11) handle the challenges of the morning with ease at displayed their exceptional fitness. This has the team challenging for the podium positions a nipping at the heels of Team XP8 and Pembrokes Centurion. Through the middle of the race riders were challenged by cramps and the extended power sections of the track, which did see them slip off the podium. A strong finish steadied the team and lead by Phil D and Mick H the boys came home in 8th position, with a fire to push harder and consolidate come Murray Bridge.

Team XP8 – Had a tricky start with an exceptionally fogged up trike slowing a usually blistering pace from Tom (year 12). Coming through the 90-min mark and the team’s first change they sat in second in the Senior School Category. Strong performance from Ollie (on his 18th Birthday), Digby (year 11) and Remy (year 10) saw them cement 2nd well clear of St Peters Vector in 3rd, and still chasing Pembroke in 1st. The team a sitting second in the series, and will be searching for another level in their preparation for the Murray Bridge 24-hr come on 21 September.

An awesome weekend up at the Bend, and a massive thank you to all our Team Managers, Marshals (Colin S, Mick H, Nicole J, and Phil D), supporters and our staff (Kimberly and Jo) for all their efforts across the day. A big shot out of appreciation to our sponsors.