“The hydrogen sticks we were using were not working at first, and there were several issues with the cars’ functionality in general, but with teamwork and perseverance we found creative solutions to these problems. We’re going to Las Vegas, we’re absolutely pumped.

“It feels amazing to be a school with less than 200 kids, competing and winning at a worldwide level.

Shantell Nelson, the teacher from the winning team, spoke about the obstacles the team had to overcome to win the race:

“Participating in this event has been a steep climb for our team from a small school to a big platform.  We have climbed over many obstacles to get to this point and feel both rewarded and challenged in taking the next step with international competition.

Horizon Educational was honoured to host a variety of guests at the event: the Honourable Glenn Butcher MP (Queensland Minister for Regional Development), Peter Goggin (Stanwell), Michael Briggs (ABB), Mark Ellul (ANZ), Murray Shearer (Central Queensland University), Lea Diffey (Queensland Department of Tourism)Chris Filby (Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning), Daniel Kim (Ark Energy), Rob Williamson (Alpha HPA), Tim McDougall (Rio Tinto), Brian Inglis (Inglis Consulting), Jarrod Irving (Australian Gas Infrastructure Group), Prof Prof Bronwyn Harch (CQ University)), Peter Woodall (Stanwell), and Phil Richardson (Stanwell).

Director of APAC at Horizon Educational Ales Rakovsky said that he was impressed by all the entries in Australia’s first-ever Hydrogen Grand Prix and congratulated all the teams involved.

“The first Australian H2GP was a great success and Gladstone was the perfect destination to host the event.

“The region is a thriving hub for industry and innovation and the teams participating have enjoyed great support in the lead-up to the competition – and today – from local experts,” said Rakovsky.

Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said Stanwell was proud to be a key partner of the H2GP which will now be held in Central Queensland for the next three years.

“We are delighted to be associated and sponsoring the H2 Grand Prix for the next three years. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the potential of hydrogen power and aligns strongly with Stanwell's strategy to drive the development of Queensland's Hydrogen industry and use new energy technologies, in order to help create a cleaner and more sustainable energy future”

“We look forward to seeing what exciting innovations come out of this competition over the next few years,” said Mr O’Rourke.

Palaszczuk Government Minister and Gladstone local member Glenn Butcher also congratulated the winners.

“Congratulations to Faith and Furious and to all those who participated,” said Butcher.

“You were all stars, and I hope you continue to pursue interests, study and a career in renewable energy.

“It’s the future of Queensland and we are well-poised to achieve our targets under the government’s billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.”

Plans are now in place to recruit new teams of students from across Australia to participate in Regional Horizon H2GP events, including in Central Queensland. The location and venue for the 2024 national event will be confirmed later this year.

Schools interested in entering a team and participating in the H2GP program from Horizon Educational can visit https://www.h2grandprix.com/. 

AUSTRALIAN FINAL RESULTS
Pos.	Team Name	Rnd.
1	Fbcs Faith & Furious	542
2	Gladstone Shs Stanwell Fast Fins	518
3	Canterbury Taipans	499
4	St Aloysium Enginmatics	454
5	Oaky Anz Falcons	381
6	Dandenong Dawn Hydrogen Systems	361
7	St Andrews Bright Spark Racing	335
8	Channel Rio Dominators	274
9	Pimlico Arc Angels	248
10	Channel Alpha Burnouts	239
11	Tannum Inglis	238
12	Abb Foxwell Lightning Queens	217
13	Tannum Team Bsl	209
14	Calliope Rotary Hydrosonics	179
15	Abb Fxwheel Angels	178
16	Trinity Agig Hydro Blasters	153
17	Toolooa Cqu Hydrojets	125
18	Gladstone Shs Stanwell Sharks	117
19	Calliope Gawb Alpha	103
20	Toolooa Fortescue Fighters	21