On May 10th and 11th, 2025, Riccione's renowned Road Race Riccione circuit once again became the exhilarating stage for the e-Horizon School Competition, an event where student teams showcase their engineering skills by competing with custom-designed, remote-controlled Formula-style cars.
Teams Ready for the Challenge
This year marked the enthusiastic return of the VoltaRacing team from the Volta School, alongside newcomers Deep Bot from Endo Fap Don Orione in Borgonovo. Representing VoltaRacing were:
Raimona and Hanaa (Media and Management, ITE Technical School)
Matteo (Driver, ITT Technical School)
Leonardo (Team Leader), Pietro (Driver), Filippo (Pit Operations), and Elena (Media and Management) from the Liceo.
Accompanying and guiding the students were mentors Simona Corsini and Angelo Maggi.
Vibrant and Strategic Choices
The team strategically chose orange as their signature color, symbolizing harmony, balance, and stress relief—critical elements in the high-pressure racing environment. Interestingly, the team raced two distinctly colored cars—one orange and one fuchsia—to clearly differentiate them on the track.
Advanced Engineering and 3D Printing
Each participating team was tasked with designing and manufacturing two open-wheel Formula-style cars about 50 cm in length, primarily using 3D printing technologies. VoltaRacing notably undertook extensive efforts, designing their cars from scratch—including chassis, suspension systems, and aerodynamic wings—utilizing both filament and resin-based 3D printing, purchasing only essential electronic components.
Intense Competition Across Multiple Categories
The two-day event included rigorous phases such as technical inspections, practice sessions, qualification rounds, future races, sprint races, and particularly demanding endurance races lasting up to 40 minutes, which tested the teams' strategic skills in tire changes, driver rotations, and battery management.
The competition involved four independent categories:
Management Report Document (MRD): team management, budgeting, and media strategy.
Design: technical sophistication and innovation of the car design.
Constructors' Championship: overall team points.
Drivers' Championship: individual driver points.
Outstanding Achievements for VoltaRacing
VoltaRacing excelled remarkably, clinching first place in the MRD category thanks to their professional and innovative management approach. They also dominated the Design category, presenting a sophisticated car featuring a ground-effect floor and an advanced Drag Reduction System (DRS). Remarkably, VoltaRacing was the only team that validated their aerodynamic solutions using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and compared results with measurements from a self-built, eco-friendly mini wind tunnel.
In the fiercely contested Constructors' Championship, VoltaRacing proudly secured third place, frequently stepping onto the podium, notably clinching third positions in both challenging endurance races.
Innovations and Secrets of Success
The students integrated clever, proprietary innovations, notably a rapid tire-change system, dramatically improving their pit stop efficiency. Other intricate features remain confidential, fueling curiosity and admiration among competitors and judges alike.
Race-day incidents and technical challenges tested the team's resolve, demanding swift, efficient repairs and adjustments that heightened the competition's intensity, closely mirroring real-world Formula 1 scenarios. Despite the fierce rivalry on track, competitors shared friendly and memorable evenings by the seaside, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Gratitude to Supportive Sponsors
VoltaRacing extends heartfelt thanks to their dedicated sponsors: 3D Tech, Faro, Aradelli, DimensioneVerde, Olivieri Ferramenta, T.G.R., Rossetti Enrico, United Petfood, Freschi Luigi, Rigeneral System, Confindustria Piacenza, and Goodies Garage.
As 3D Tech, our role involved closely supporting the team in designing and manufacturing specialized tires using advanced 3D printing technologies and innovative filaments. We developed various tire compounds specifically optimized for both wet and dry track conditions, significantly enhancing the vehicle's performance and adaptability during races.
Nostalgia and Legacy
Several VoltaRacing members like Pietro, Filippo, Elena, Leonardo, Raimona, and Anna share cherished memories from past successes as part of various teams, including the The Voltway (First Lego League National Finalists and APOC competitors), ThundeVolt (regional winners, fifth nationally), and the notable Astra. Now approaching graduation, these students reflect fondly on their journey, leaving a powerful legacy and inspiration for future generations of young innovators.
VoltaRacing's triumphant return to Riccione has not only highlighted their remarkable capabilities but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, creativity, and strategic innovation in educational settings.
