HAN Engineering and Automotive works with Ten Kate Racing on sustainable motorsport
An inspiring collaboration between students, lecturers and researchers from HAN Engineering and Automotive with Ten Kate Racing is bearing fruit in the pursuit of a more sustainable future for motorsport. In what way?
On Friday 16 April, semester 6 students from HAN Automotive Engineering and their lecturer coaches Edwin Kemper and Bas ter Horst attended the World Superbike Championship at the TT circuit in Assen at the invitation of Ten Kate Racing. The evening was dedicated to the innovative Motonext project, an initiative aimed at making motorsport more sustainable and already achieving visible successes. Students from HAN Automotive Engineering play an important role within this project. They do so by developing a subframe made of bio-glass, an environmentally friendly material that contributes to motorsport's green ambitions.
The visit to Ten Kate Racing's hospitality offered the students an educational insight into the world of professional motorsport. Ten Kate Racing's hospitality and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated and strengthened the bond between the HAN School of Engineering and Automotive and the race team.
Circular innovations at WorldSBK
During the same WorldSBK weekend at the TT Circuit Assen, Pata Yamaha, Ten Kate Racing and Motonext unveiled their latest plans for a sustainable future in motorsport and beyond. Building on previous successes, such as the development of engine fairings from bioflax, the collaboration is now committed to a series of innovative projects aimed at circularity and reuse.
A pioneering development was the introduction of bonnet parts and mudguards made from bioflax, which achieved a CO₂ reduction of more than 90% during production and use. This material is now finding wider application inside and outside motorsport. Steps are also being made in the field of lubricants, with a bio-based oil developed by Putoline in bottles made from 95% recycled material.
Motonext's latest projects focus on the circular reuse of bioflax and the application of natural materials such as bamboo in cooperation with partners such as New Born Rubber and MC Technics. In collaboration with the HAN, research is also being conducted into the use of bioflax in load-bearing parts of engines and cars.
The joint efforts of the HAN Automotive Engineering students, Ten Kate Racing and the partners within the Motonext project underline the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in motorsport and beyond!
Source: HAN en Motor.nl
Photography: Edwin Kemper
