THE Bragin’ Fifers had a really successful trip to Huntsville, Alabama for the Greenpower USA Jaguar Classic 2016 race on November 12 and were truly top ambassadors for Fife and Scotland.

From across the United States teams took part in this event, however, Bragin’ Fifers' and the USA team's NASA car were the only two custom built cars to race as they rest of the cars were kit builds.

And the F24 team from Crosshill's Brag base was prominent throughout the visit and arguably, only a small electrical fault robbed them of a famous win.

The Bragin’ Fifers were based at Jemison High School, in Huntsville, where their car had been stored in the Schools Engineering and Technology base. The car was unpacked on the Wednesday before the race and finishing touches and practise sessions took place that week.

The team also had to work on a Power Point Presentation to deliver to the judges on the Friday afternoon prior to the race.

The Judging panel consisted of three Representatives from, Greenpower USA, Huntsville City School and Siemens. The team did a good presentation to the judges explaining why they built the car, the design they chose, materials used and the fund aising events that took place for them to get to the USA.

The judges were very impressed with their presentation and commitment to the project. The team mixed well with the USA teams within the School and were invited to a local American Football game by the kids.

On the race day Bragin' Fifers had the fastest lap time on the day and started in pole position on the grid. For the first 45 minutes the Bragin’ Fifers completed the fastest two laps recorded during the race, however, unfortunately due to an electrical fault, the car had to come off the track for repairs.

The team worked really hard to get the car back on the track but didn’t have the time to make up for the distance lost. However, they did receive the “Spirit of Greenpower Award” for all their effort and work.

After the race the team were invited out for a meal with the two USA teams and their parents.

Whilst in Hunstville the Bragin’ Fifers also had a tour of Grissom High School where they were allowed into the Design and Technology department to work on Siemens Solid Edge software.

Brag's Kirsten Spence and Ann Moodie accompanied the team and were delighted with what the youngsters achieved: "It was nice to see them interacting with the pupils in the classroom.

"They were also giving a tour of the Engineering and manufacturing base within the School. The teams were overwhelmed with the equipment that they had access to for the build of their car.

"One machine alone was worth £750,000. However, once the USA team and Staff had seen the engineering and build of the Bragin’ Fifers car they could see what could be achieved with very limited equipment and resources.

"As we were staying at NASA Space and Rocket Centre we decided on the Sunday to do a tour of the base which the team loved.

"The Space and Rocket Centre was very educational and allowed the team to learn about the development of man in space in great detail and they got to experience simulations of what it would be like to be in space.

"They also got to experience what it was like to be part of NASA Space Camp and they were presented with NASA Space Camp t-shirts. The tour was very informative and of course gave the Bragin’ Fifers loads of ideas for the engineering and styling of their next car……. Watch this space…."

Kirsten and Ann added: "We are so proud of the achievements of the Bragin’ Fifers team and how they presented themselves in the USA.

"This was a fantastic opportunity for the team and they gained lots of valuable knowledge and experience. We would like to thank everyone for their help and support especially NASA Space and Rocket Centre for providing our accommodation for this trip."

Matthew Campbell, Team Manager said: “Our trip was great and it was an unforgettable experience that I can’t wait to do again.

"I’ve gained knowledge about American culture and how different it is to ours. We got many opportunities from the Schools and enjoyed meeting new people”.

Liam Lindsay, Driver/Pit Crew added: “My trip to Alabama gave me more confidence and I gained new skills, having to give a presentation to judges in the USA.

"I met a lot of new people and made new friends. This is an experience that I will never forget in my life”.

Adam Blyth, Driver/Pit Crew went on: “I think America was a life changing experience for us as it gave us a different view on racing with F24. It was a great feeling knowing that I had set the fastest lap for qualifying which set the team up to start in pole position on the grid”.

And Callum Blyth, Driver/Pit Crew, concluded: “The best part was learning about the differences between the USA teams and our teams and the funding that they get.

"The race day was an incredible experience as we raced in the dark under floodlights. The Americans were really friendly and supported us throughout our time in the USA”.

They team would like to thank everyone involved in making this a very successful trip for the Bragin’ Fifers and they have already been invited to race again next year in the USA. They would also like to say a special thank-you to the BRAG Board of Directors for their continued support and commitment with this project.