The wheels are in motion for students in Wisbech who are launching a mini motor-racing team.

The young people are building a vehicle to take part in the televised national series, MINI Challenge for the Isle campus of the College of West Anglia.

The challenge will take them to tracks all over the country including Silverstone, Brand’s Hatch, Donington and Oulton Park.

Before they can take part the team of eight must raise between £7-8,000 to meet the running and preparations costs which include the engine at £1,850, bodywork and chassis at £3,650 and electronics at £775.

They are confident they can prepare their 1600cc Mini to a standard which could earn them a chance of victory in the national competition next year.

If the fundraising is unsuccessful the car will only be used for testing sessions at the tracks.

The college has run a Formula Ford racing car for three years, but this is the first time they have used a Mini, bought at auction, and painted by fellow students in the college’s paint and body shop.

They have produced a professional-looking prospectus to deliver to potential investors who can have their company logo on the vehicle, get free tickets to race meetings and even the chance to have a day’s testing in the college’s go karts.

Aaron Charles said: “Because we are a college, doesn’t mean we cannot compete against the best of the MINI Challenge grid.”

Michael Hewlett said: “With the experience of the potential driver and the car we are building there is no reason we cannot succeed and win the MINI Challenge, putting the College of West Anglia and students on the map.”

Jordan Richmond said: “We’re in it to win it” and to gain the experience of the motorsport industry.

Tom Stockdale said: “It’s the first time the College of West Anglia has been involved in the MINI Challenge. We believe we have as good as chance as anyone.”

And Remi Langridge added: “We have seen the project through from the start, we are determined to prove we are as good as anyone else.”

The Isle team of eight, including three females, has a technical director, business manager, three technicians, business assistant and two support engineers.

Supporting them is teaching support officer for motorsport, Jack Howling. The racing will be televised on Motors TV.