After last year's crazy Northern Finals at Tockwith Carting Arena, where confusion, crashes and car fires ruled, it was back to the track we all know and love at Croft International Rally Circuit, North Yorkshire.

Team captain Charles knows this track like the back of his hand and had every confidence we would be returning to the top of the podium like we did back in 2022. “No more years of hurt!” was the teams cry as we ventured out from the pit lane to smash pole position in practice.

Team A had rookies Philip, Miles and Oscar driving in their first ever race, led by experienced team captain Carlo. Miles made sure pole wasn’t forfeited but with the team having to pit stop 3 times, we were soon falling down the leaderboard. But when the going gets tough you can rely on Carlo to put his pedal to the metal and eat up the track in the newly kitted-out Austin Flyer. After race one, we were sitting comfortably in third place.

Team B was packed full of F24 knowledge, tricks and know-how. This battalion consisted of Alfie, Minnie, Hamish and Finley. And things were looking good when Finley clocked up the fastest ever lap time at Croft racing circuit! However, as more pit changes ate up the clock The Austin Flyer and its heroic pilots, in the end, had to settle for yet another fourth position.

When team manager and STEM ambassador Mr Palmer was interviewed seconds after the chequered flag had flown the language was choice, but once his tools were packed away and the car safely back in the trailer, he could reflect on what had been another triumphant day in the history of Formula 24 at Austin Friars.

Well done everybody and hasta la vista, baby!