Tinsel, Torque and Triumphs - SHU Racing Christmas Update 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, the SHU Racing team has been hard at work laying strong foundations for the FSUK 2026 season. Across all departments, the team has grown and continued to push development further.

FSUK 2026 Car Development

Development on the SR16 is well underway. We are continuing to build on a platform that proved reliable and competitive at last year’s competition, allowing the team to focus efforts on optimisation and performance gains whilst building platforms for the future. This year has seen a fantastic influx of new members into SHU Racing across a range of courses. Recruits have already been getting hands-on experience through CAD sessions, FEA workshops and live design work on current projects.

The team took the SR15 testing in early November, providing a valuable opportunity to run the car on track and validate recent work. It was also a great chance to get new members involved trackside and give new drivers time behind the wheel. Everyone performed well throughout the test, gaining experience and contributing positively to a productive and well-run test day.

Powertrain

The powertrain team has been focusing on intake optimisation, with a brand-new plenum design concept already designed and manufactured. The system is now ready for testing, marking an exciting step forward in improving engine efficiency and performance.

Systems Integration

Extensive work has gone into a complete overhaul of the engine management system. A new ECU and PDM have been selected, with a redesigned wiring loom now close to completion. This upgrade will improve reliability and unlock features such as anti-stall, traction control and quick shifting.

Chassis

Material testing is well underway for the next chassis iteration. The team is developing what is shaping up to be our lightest and stiffest laminate to date, alongside material research into sustainable composite options such as hemp and flax fibre. In parallel, design work is progressing on a new impact attenuator, which will soon undergo testing at Cranfield Impact Centre.

Vehicle Dynamics

Design and manufacture of modifications to the car’s steering system are ongoing. The vehicle dynamics team is developing a new suspension geometry incorporating coil shocks and a revised wishbone layout with integrated anti-dive characteristics. FEA analysis of an elliptical wishbone geometry and new upright and hub designs is in progress, alongside upgrades to the driver environment, including the seat and pedal cups.

Future ICE Powertrain Development

We are grateful for the support from IIDEA LTD. as our newest platinum sponsor. Their generous support has provided the team with two Triumph Daytona 660cc three-cylinder sport bikes, which will form the basis of SHU Racing’s next ICE powertrain platform. Development work is already underway, including designs for fuel tanks, oil sump, cooling and intake systems.

Project EV

SHU Racing is expanding its scope with the launch of Project EV. For the 2026 season, the team will enter the EV Concept Class, aiming to build the foundations for our first electric vehicle and take the first steps toward an EV SHU Racing car on track.

As we head into the Christmas break, significant progress has been made across SHU Racing. Thank you to our members, sponsors and supporters for making this possible. We’re excited to carry this momentum into the new year.

Merry Christmas, and see you in 2026.