FS Wheels Puts the Wheels in Motion on Formula Student Car

Southern Regional College (SRC) values the role that local businesses play in supporting student learning and development. A great example of this is the new partnership between SRC Racing, SRC's Formula Student team and local Newry-based business FS Wheels, located at Greenbank Industrial Estate.

As the student team gears up for the IMechE Formula Student competition, students are applying their engineering knowledge to real-world design and manufacturing challenges. Frank Sloan and the team at FS Wheels have supported the project by sponsoring the high-performance tyres and wheels necessary for the team's student-built single-seater race car, scheduled to take to the track in July 2027.

The team is currently competing in the Concept Class at the 2026 IMechE Formula Student competition, where they are developing and refining the design ahead of building and racing the car.

Speaking on this sponsorship, Seán Mac Diarmada, the team’s academic supervisor said:

“This sponsorship is more than just a contribution to a project; it is a profound investment in Newry’s local young engineering talent. By backing our students, FS Wheels is demonstrating a deep commitment to our region, proving that when local businesses invest in local students, the entire community thrives.

Having the support of a business in Newry like Frank Sloan is incredibly motivating for our team. It reinforces the value of community-led initiatives and shows our students that the skills they are developing at SRC are recognised and championed by the industry right on their doorstep, and furthermore establishes a direct route from Newry to the factories at Milton-Keynes, Brackley, and other sites where the pinnacle of engineering thrives in Formula One factories.”

Ross Graham, the Formula Student team leader added:

“The team is incredibly grateful to Frank Sloan for his generosity and his belief in us, the next generation of engineers. Through this partnership, we aren't just building a faster car, we are building a stronger, more connected community.”

SRC Racing and the College are grateful to FS Wheels for their support of the project and for helping students pursue their ambitions in Formula Student competition. The team has also benefited from the support of a number of local businesses, whose expertise, sponsorship and encouragement have played an important role in helping students develop their engineering skills and bring the project to life.