THE fastest man on four wheels hit the road yesterday to tell needy students at a township school about the high speed record-breaking attempt in South Africa next year.
Shortly after flying in from England to headline the annual Scifest Africa extravaganza in Grahamstown, Royal Air Force wing commander Andy Green was at Ntsika Secondary School inspiring more than 100 Grade 10 pupils to follow their dreams.
Already the fastest man on wheels after he broke the sound barrier when he clocked 1228km/h in a specially designed car in 1997, the high flying speedster had the spellbound audience collectively going “yoh” when he told them the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) would cover one kilometre in 2.2 seconds.
Earlier Green told the Daily Dispatch the main aim of the project – besides breaking the 1000 mile an hour target – was to inspire youngsters around the world about the joys of science.
“What we are trying to do is not just build a fast car but make science fun for kids around the world.”
He said by getting thousands of rich and poor schools involved in following the progress of the car, it was hoped the experience would inspire them to solve future global challenges like climate change.
According to Green, the project had conducted a worldwide search using satellite technology to find the perfect venue – at Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape.
He said the idea had been enthusiastically embraced by South Africans from all walks of life. Although the perfect race track had been found, a lot of work was needed to get it ready for the high octane record attempt.
For the past three years, 300 people had been hand-clearing 6000 tons of stones off the track – amounting to 20 tons per person.
“It is the biggest surface area ever cleared by hand in the world.”
Ntsika School head Madeleine Schoeman said it was great having heroes like Green kick off Scifest in the township.
“We need people like Andy to come here and open up the world for our children.”
Scifest director Anja Fourie praised the provincial education department for sponsoring and busing in 690 kids from 23 far flung Eastern Cape districts to be inspired by science.
“What they have done is amazing.”
She said the monument venue was often inaccessible to people living in Grahamstown townships as it cost R8 for a one-way taxi trip and R12 a show.
Besides the intensive week-long local Scifest experience – which includes township outreaches – the organisers also travel throughout South Africa during the rest of the year taking science to the people. —
Speedster inspires kids to hit the lab
Shortly after flying in from England to headline the annual Scifest Africa extravaganza in Grahamstown, Royal Air Force wing commander Andy Green was at Ntsika Secondary School inspiring more than 100 Grade 10 pupils to follow their dreams.
Already the fastest man on wheels after he broke the sound barrier when he clocked 1228km/h in a specially designed car in 1997, the high flying speedster had the spellbound audience collectively going “yoh” when he told them the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) would cover one kilometre in 2.2 seconds.
Earlier Green told the Daily Dispatch the main aim of the project – besides breaking the 1000 mile an hour target – was to inspire youngsters around the world about the joys of science.
“What we are trying to do is not just build a fast car but make science fun for kids around the world.”
He said by getting thousands of rich and poor schools involved in following the progress of the car, it was hoped the experience would inspire them to solve future global challenges like climate change.
According to Green, the project had conducted a worldwide search using satellite technology to find the perfect venue – at Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape.
He said the idea had been enthusiastically embraced by South Africans from all walks of life. Although the perfect race track had been found, a lot of work was needed to get it ready for the high octane record attempt.
For the past three years, 300 people had been hand-clearing 6000 tons of stones off the track – amounting to 20 tons per person.
“It is the biggest surface area ever cleared by hand in the world.”
Ntsika School head Madeleine Schoeman said it was great having heroes like Green kick off Scifest in the township.
“We need people like Andy to come here and open up the world for our children.”
Scifest director Anja Fourie praised the provincial education department for sponsoring and busing in 690 kids from 23 far flung Eastern Cape districts to be inspired by science.
“What they have done is amazing.”
She said the monument venue was often inaccessible to people living in Grahamstown townships as it cost R8 for a one-way taxi trip and R12 a show.
Besides the intensive week-long local Scifest experience – which includes township outreaches – the organisers also travel throughout South Africa during the rest of the year taking science to the people. —
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos