Koru Racing Represents New Zealand on the Global Stage

Koru Racing Represents New Zealand on the Global Stage

This year marked a significant milestone for New Zealand in the world of STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools), as Koru Racing from the College represented the nation at the 2025 STEM Racing World Finals in Singapore. Held from 24 September to 3 October, the event brought together 83 teams from more than 30 countries to design, manufacture, and race miniature F1-style cars, demanding excellence in engineering, innovation, teamwork, and enterprise.

Representing Saint Kentigern were Reilly Turner, Aydan Hawken, and Lucas Alward, who became the first New Zealand team in 25 years to compete at this level. With just three months to prepare, the team devoted countless hours to refining their car’s design through rigorous modelling and testing. Across the competition, teams were judged on Engineering Design, Enterprise and Project Management, Verbal Presentation, and Pit Display. Each of these categories required technical precision and creativity, communication, and collaborative problem-solving under pressure.

During the high-intensity racing heats, Koru Racing’s car performed exceptionally well, recording some of the fastest times of the entire competition. The car achieved the third-fastest individual lap time at 1.083 seconds and the second-fastest overall average lap time at 1.126 seconds. A feat, when considering the resource and prior experience of their competitors.

In recognition of their speed and innovation, Koru Racing received a private tour of the Mercedes F1 pit garage at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, a unique opportunity to witness elite motorsport engineering up close.

Returning home, Reilly and teacher in charge Henry Frank attended the Repco NextGen NZ Championships at Hampton Downs. Recognised as ‘rising stars’ in the sport, they were interviewed by Greg Rust about the experience in Singapore and the momentum STEM Racing is gathering in New Zealand (interview linked below). 

Reilly, Lucas, and Aydan have all expressed immense gratitude for the support of their mentors, sponsors, and College community. They also hope to share their experience with future STEM Racing teams, helping inspire the next generation of innovators to carry New Zealand’s presence forward on the world stage.

https://www.youtube.com/live/NwEALA8QA2E (starts 7:18.45)