At 10:00am on 17 May, the team arrived at the RDW Testcentrum race circuit ready for the competition. After changing into race suits, both cars passed scrutineering successfully and the team moved on to the practice session. During practice, the team encountered several issues with the blue car and quickly brought it back into the pit area for repairs. Following a number of adjustments and maintenance work, the car returned to the track, only to suffer a tyre failure a few laps later. With just 10 minutes remaining before the start of the first race, the team worked together efficiently to complete a rapid tyre change and prepare the cars for the grid.

Evelyn, Yr12, and Isabella, Yr10, took the first driving stints. Halfway through the race, both cars returned to the pits for driver changes with Rosie, Yr12 and Aswika, Yr10, taking over to complete the event. By the end of the first round, the red car was in 2nd place, while the blue car had climbed to 11th. During the lunch break, the team were also invited to take part in a podcast interview, an exciting opportunity that will be shared soon on the team’s official Instagram page, @whsg.racing.

The second race began with Team Principals Charlotte and Ilana, both Yr12, starting on the grid. Both drivers delivered strong opening stints before handing over to Rosa and Georgia, Yr12, at the halfway point. Shortly before the finish, the blue car was retired in order to preserve battery life, while the team gathered trackside to cheer on the red car as it crossed the finish line.

At the end of a long but highly successful weekend, the Valkyrie Race Team achieved 1st place in the F24 category, an accomplishment of which the entire team is extremely proud, making Westcliff High School for Girls the 2026 Champions of the Netherlands.

The team now looks ahead to competing this weekend at the BeNeFraLux International Finals in Belgium at the Formula One track Circuit Zolder.

Written by Charlotte, Yr12