Draft:XRacing

XRacing is a motorsports team that represents the University of Exeter in the IMECHe Formula Student competition. The team designs, engineers, builds, and markets open-wheel cars to compete annually at Silverstone Circuit against international university competitors.

The team established in September 2012 and continues to operate within the Streatham campus based in Exeter, Devonshire, United Kingdom. Although participation is open to students of any discipline, those studying at the university's Penryn Campus cannot join due to geographical restrictions. Directly supported by the University of Exeter's engineering department, the University oversees students developing the car from design to construction.

The team's core focus is providing students a valuable platform for experiential learning and skill development. Originally dominated by engineering students, the team underwent a significant transformation in 2023, actively recruiting interdisciplinary talents from fields like Marketing, Computer Science, Economics, and Business Administration. This shift resulted in a diverse composition, with non-engineering students comprising 25% of the team. Organised into modular sub-teams, each overseen by a designated leader, the team operates cohesively to pursue its objectives.

History
The team debuted its first car, the XR01, at the IMECHe Formula Student competition in July 2013, finishing 62nd out of 84 entrants in its inaugural season. Each season saw the team construct a new car, occasionally using the same engine, but changing everything else to meet competition regulation. After years of trail and error, the team secured their highest overall result in 2020, placing 34th. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the following years were fought with restrictions for both the championship and students ability to work on the car. As a result, the XR07 was carried over into 2022 and placed a respectable 38th overall. The 2022-2023 season saw the team encounter internal politics which greatly effected the XR09's development. Subsequently, the team placed among those at the bottom of the overall scoring for 2023. However, on the ground at Silverstone team spirit was kept up and recognised by the Formula Student judges through the awarded of the RACETECH William Kimberly Award. Under a complete team restructure, led by 2023-2024 Team Principal Sebastian Calvett, the team have announced that their 10th car, the XRX, will be their most competitive yet.