Thursday, 1 October 2009

The 2009 UWA Motorsport team proudly launched their new car on Wednesday evening, 30th September, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 130 guests, including the Vice Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson and Director of Student Services, Jon Stubbs.

The evening was hosted by the 2009 Motorsport Project Manager, Taki Dermedgoglou who welcomed the guests and thanked them for attending, before inviting the Vice Chancellor to formally open the proceedings.

Professor Robson warmly greeted the audience, acknowledging the special guests, industry sponsors, the team itself and the outstanding guidance provided by team supervisors, Dr Angus Tavner and Assistant Professor Lynn Kirkham.

Professor Robson congratulated the UWA Motorsport team on their outstanding achievements to date, including winning the World Championship in 2008. He highlighted what an excellent project it is, enabling students to gain a broad range of skills, above and beyond the practical skills of designing and building a race care, to include teamwork, communication, negotiation and organisational skills.

Professor Robson said it was this combination of these attributes that resulted in our motorsport students being such highly sought after graduates.

Thanking Professor Robson, Taki then took centre stage to talk about the challenges of life as a team member, suggesting that whilst difficult at times, working on the project is an ultimately fulfilling experience.

Taki thanked the team's many supporters and sponsors; their fine supervisors, Dr Angus Tavner, Assistant Professor Lynn Kirkham and Mr Chris Rowles and the fantastic workshop technicians who go above and beyond in their dedication to the team.

Taki also emphaised how grateful the team is for the unwavering support of both the Vice Chancellor, Professor Robson and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Winthrop Professor David Smith.

Then, with great regret, Taki advised that this year the UWA Motorsport team was given the news that Assistant Professor Lynn Kirkham will be retiring at the end of the year. Before asking Assistant Professor Kirkham to say a few words, Taki noted what a rare thing it is these days to find such an unselfish, dedicated and caring person and stressed that the contributions Assistant Professor Kirkham have made to the team are beyond measure. In honour of Lynn Owen Kirkham the 2009 car has been named LOK-009.

Assistant Professor Kirkham took to the podium to thank the team for such a great honour and spoke fondly of his involvement with the motorsport project since its inception and how difficult it would be to leave. After a rather emotional speech by Professor Kirkham, Professor Robson was then invited to unveil the new shiny yellow race car, to cheers and applause from everyone present.

The audience then surged forward to take good look at what we all hope will be another World Championship winning vehicle and to congratulate the team, lead so ably by Taki Dermedgoglou and to wish them all the best in the months and competitions ahead.

Media references

Danni Wick / [email protected] / 6488 2260

Tags

Groups
ECM Faculty Focus — School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering