Write a comment
A new partnership has been formed between Southern Regional College's Formula Student team, SRC Racing, and Newry based business FS Wheels, located at Greenbank Industrial Estate. Frank Sloan and the team at FS Wheels have sponsored the high performance tyres and wheels necessary for the students' single seater race car, which is scheduled to take to the track in July 2027.
Southern Regional College values the role that local businesses play in supporting student learning and development. The Formula Student team is currently competing in the Concept Class at the 2026 IMechE Formula Student competition, developing and refining the design ahead of building and racing the car.
Seán Mac Diarmada, the team's academic supervisor, said the sponsorship represented a significant investment in local talent. He said: “This sponsorship is more than just a contribution to a project; it is a profound investment in Newry's local young engineering talent. By backing our students, FS Wheels is demonstrating a deep commitment to our region, proving that when local businesses invest in local students, the entire community thrives.
“Having the support of a business in Newry like Frank Sloan is incredibly motivating for our team. It reinforces the value of community-led initiatives and shows our students that the skills they are developing at SRC are recognised and championed by the industry right on their doorstep, and furthermore establishes a direct route from Newry to the factories at Milton-Keynes, Brackley, and other sites where the pinnacle of engineering thrives in Formula One factories.”
Ross Graham, the Formula Student team leader, said the team was grateful for the backing. He said: “The team is incredibly grateful to Frank Sloan for his generosity and his belief in us, the next generation of engineers. Through this partnership, we aren't just building a faster car, we are building a stronger, more connected community.”
SRC Racing and the college have thanked FS Wheels for its support of the project and for helping students pursue their ambitions in Formula Student competition. The team has also benefited from the support of a number of other local businesses, whose expertise, sponsorship and encouragement have played an important role in helping students develop their engineering skills and bring the project to life.
