CR13

2017 was a historic year for Cardiff Racing, CR13 was named Gwyneth after Tom Pryce's Mother to mark 40 years since the only Welsh F1 driver in history tragically passed. A livery was also chosen as an homage to Pryce's Shadow cars. There were other big changes afoot within Cardiff racing also, with the retirement of the Aprilia SXV in favour of a new Triumph Street Triple, bringing with it improved reliability and more power than was previously possible thanks to the larger capacity allowed in the rules. It was decided early on that the team would also run on E85 during the 2017 season to maximize power from the engine, with the added benefit of lower CO2 emissions.

Following the trend of the previous 2 seasons greater emphasis was placed on aerodynamics, with elements being added across the chassis to maximize the effects and bring ever increased cornering grip. The monocoque was refined to improve front-end ground clearance while the spaceframe had to be totally redesigned to accommodate the brand new, larger, engine. Suspension was not left out of the overhaul with whole new geometries and a rear heave spring to control movement of the increased mass. With all this development and many months of grafting away CR13 made her way to Silverstone and, with the team performing excellently in all the static events, dynamics began with continued success. More good results followed before lunch on Saturday when Autocross began. Gwyneth performed beautifully producing a series of very fast times, setting the fastest lap of the competition at the hands of our very own Fast Welshman. 

After a restless night all around, Endurance was upon us, thanks to the spectacular showing in Sprint CR13 would be last on track, and it was making for a fascinating competition with numerous teams still in contention for the overall win. Both Cardiff Drivers drove without incidence and finished Endurance with an overall time of 28min:36seconds. Then came the waiting, final competition results were to be announced in the evening. Every member of Cardiff Racing, Past and current were on the edge of our seats watching the livestreams, and then it was official. Cardiff Racing will forever be remembered as the first UK team to win the Formula Student UK event, a truly historic achievement and testament to all the hard work and dedication put into the project over the years.

After winning FSUK the team were not done with CR13, traveling to FS Czech were another strong set of results saw the team place 4th overall before returning back to Cardiff to celebrate their success. 

Many thanks to all the support received from our Sponsors, from all of us here at Cardiff Racing
Diolch o galon i bawb am yr holl gefnogaeth rydym wedi dderbyn ers y cystadleuaeth