On Saturday, November 9 th , our dedicated team participated in the first-ever Bufori EViE Cup at Horizon Beranang Circuit. Organised by Bufori, this thrilling event saw our students take their self-built electric vehicle to the track alongside seven other school teams, each showcasing their vehicle assembled from the same base kit.
Our team from St. Joseph’s Institution International School, known as “Sanctorum Racing,” included Marcus, Jun Hao Ooi, Hayoung Kim, Kayden, Ka-Leong Chow, William Ariff Pym, Liam Conor Kok Callaham, Koh Kian Tin, Cheow Jit Kai, and Yu-Han Wong. They were accompanied by parent volunteer Mr Andrew Chow, as well as teachers Mr James Bedding and Mr Gavin King, who supported the students throughout the day.
The day began bright and early, with everyone gathering at school by 5:15 AM to load the car onto the lorry and board a minibus to the circuit. Once on-site, the team walked the track to help drivers familiarise themselves with racing lines. A detailed safety briefing followed, covering flag signals, pit stop protocols, and battery and driver change procedures.
Sanctorum Racing began the event with a significant achievement, earning Pole Position for the race thanks to their outstanding portfolio. This document, produced by the team, showcased their dedication and hard work, with detailed sections on the team’s activities, Bufori’s history, and insights into racing cars and skills. Their efforts were further recognised with a prize for having the Best Portfolio among all the competing teams.
The race began at 11:30 AM, and the atmosphere was electric as Sanctorum Racing took to the track. Despite an unexpected hiccup with the rear wheel nuts—an issue that saw one team lose a wheel altogether—our team remained resilient. With skill and problem-solving prowess, Sanctorum Racing held its own. One memorable moment came in the final lap when our last driver had to push the broken accelerator pedal with his toes, determined to finish despite the malfunction. This resourcefulness kept Sanctorum Racing among the final three cars still running when the race wrapped up just before rain descended on the circuit.
Sanctorum Racing’s success extends beyond this event, with the Continuation CCA open to Year 10 students who will train under the experienced racers for a potential Bufori Cup sequel in May or June 2025. Our inaugural race proved to be a remarkable debut and is the first of many for Sanctorum Racing, where our students’ resilience and teamwork have set a strong foundation for future competitions.
