University News Last updated 30 March 2010
TV programme, The Gadget Show, has challenged a group of Birmingham City University students to assemble a pedal car by hand in just an hour – and will televise the results.
Programme makers approached the University’s School of Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems to take part in their pedal car challenge which involved building a vehicle at Walker Adams workshop in Saltley and then racing it against three other cars at nearby ‘Birmingham Wheels’ track.
Presenters Suzi Perry, Jason Bradbury, Jon Bentley and Ortis Deley were on hand to make sure the group of nine students finished the task in time. Once the hour was up, presenter Jason Bradbury got behind the wheel to race against three of the top pedal car drivers in the country: Jes Featherstone, of the European Championship Team Car (Apollo Racing) Rob Fulford of the British Championship Team Car (Bar Racing) and Alan Goodman from the team Goodmaniacs.
After putting the vehicle through its paces Jason said: 'Wow, what a ride and what a great team. The build quality, the design and the hands-on driving characteristics of the Gadget Show pedal car were bang on. And it was all down to the support and expertise of the gang from Birmingham City University!'
The Gadget Show is made by Birmingham-based North One TV which currently employs one of Birmingham City University’s MA Television Studies graduates, Andrew Smith. Andrew, who is currently the researcher for The Gadget Show said: ‘The three key points I learnt from my studies in order to pursue a career in television is that you must have great communication, be well organised and display excellent team work. Experience is the key and although the course was beneficial, it is also just as important to carry out as much work experience as possible – make contacts within the industry and show yourself to be enthusiastic and passionate and want to succeed.’
You’ll be able to see how the Birmingham-built car fared in the race on the Gadget Show’s ‘Surprise Challenge Special’ on Five, Monday 26 April at 8pm.