The Sustainable Racing Team (SRT)...a unique Damascus program

Welcome to the Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) at Damascus College, where innovation and passion drive our commitment to sustainability and excellence. Established in 1998 as the Energy Breakthrough Team, our program has evolved into a dynamic platform for students and teachers to explore the intersection of bikes, mechanics, and science.

At the heart of our program lies the upcoming Broken Hill to Ballarat (B2B) event—a thrilling 1085km ride that exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation. Scheduled from 6 May to 10 May, 2024, B2B is more than just a journey; it's a testament to our students' ingenuity and determination to impact the world positively.

As part of the B2B event, our team of dedicated students will take on various roles, including promotions, catering, riding, pit crew, navigation, solar management, and communications. This unique experience not only challenges participants physically and mentally but also fosters invaluable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.

Join us as we embark on this transformative adventure within the SRT program, uniting our school community in a shared mission to promote sustainability, raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Foundation, and inspire positive change. Together, let's race towards a greener, brighter future.

Why ride from Broken Hill to Ballarat?

In recent years, especially amidst the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, many Human Powered Races in Victoria have come to a halt, with few prospects of resuming. This absence of opportunities has left our Sustainable Racing Team (SRT) program longing for a chance to test its mettle once again.

Driven by a desire to inspire greater achievements and create lasting memories, Damascus College is charting a five-day road trip that promises adventure, camaraderie, and purpose. Beginning with a bus journey to Broken Hill, our team will embark on a challenging ride back to Ballarat aboard a road-legal solar-assisted SRT vehicle.

Traditionally, the SRT team has thrived on challenges, with peak moments occurring between 2003 and 2009. During this period, in addition to regular race commitments like Maryborough, our students participated in prestigious road events such as the World Solar Cycle Challenges and the Sydney Rode Rage. These experiences not only fostered a sense of adventure but also promoted personal growth, with students tackling real-world challenges and achieving remarkable feats.

Believing that the B2B event holds the potential to evoke similar levels of commitment and personal growth, Damascus College is eager to provide our students with an opportunity to push their limits, forge new friendships, and make a meaningful impact on their journey from Broken Hill to Ballarat.

What is B2B and what are the Benefits?

• A Journey of Endurance: Covering a staggering 1085km, B2B entails a challenging expedition using a solar-assisted road legal aerodynamic trike of Damascus design and construction.
• Charitable Endeavor: Through generous sponsorship, this ride aims to raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Foundation, honoring the memory of former SRT member, Connor Prunty.
• Student Involvement: Up to 15 SRT students will embark on this adventure, assuming diverse roles including promotions, catering, riding, pit crew, navigation, solar management, communications, and media. The event encompasses various STEM elements, enriching students' learning experiences.
• The Ultimate Challenge: Participants will be immersed in the planning, fundraising, fitness training, and special vehicle construction required for this monumental journey.
• Live Broadcast: Witness the entire trip unfold through a live broadcast, easily accessible on the Damascus website and TVs across the school, reaching families, sponsors, and the wider public.
• Charitable Contribution: Every pedal stroke contributes to fundraising efforts for cancer research, making a meaningful impact on the community.
• Program Revitalization: B2B serves as a catalyst for rejuvenating the Damascus SRT program within the school community, fostering teamwork and promoting sustainability.
• Educational Outreach: The journey includes stops at primary and secondary schools, facilitating engagement with students and promoting social and emotional learning.
• Fostering Resilience: Through collaboration and perseverance, students develop essential life skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking, crucial for navigating global challenges like climate change.
• Inspiring Change: B2B inspires students to become agents of change, emphasizing the power of collective action and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Embrace the Challenge: Join the Journey!

The B2B Plan

Thanks to our SRT Sponsors (click logo to go to their website):