BRIGHT young things with designs on success experienced life in the fast lane.

Pupils from UTC Bolton got behind the wheel of their race car ­— which they designed and built ­— on what is described as Europe's fastest racing circuit as part of The Greenpower Challenge.

They took part in the first heat at Rockingham Race Circuit after getting their car through all the necessary checks.

Each team had their own pit area where they ensured the car passed all safety tests ahead of the races. It is also where they made repairs too.

The team had four drivers in each race and recorded their progress using a Go-pro.

They overcame difficulties including a chain falling off in the first race and the crashing out with a broke steering column in the second race, forcing them into a 45 minute pit stop to carry out repairs.

But despite this they still came 49 out of 55in race one and in the second they came 42.

The team are confident they will speed ahead in September when they take part in the next set of races.

A spokesman for the team said: "We’re pretty confident that with some minor improvements the team will perform much better in the next set of races in September."

Alex Pettener, a local Siemens engineer who has been helping them with the build and provided technical support on race day, said: "Everyone left the day happy and enthused which was really heart warming to see and makes projects like this very worthwhile. They have plenty of ideas for improvements for their next race at Aintree in September and I look forward to seeing the results."

The Greenpower Challenge is aimed at Key Stage Three children aged 11-14 yrs and uses the exhilaration of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).