STUDENTS who designed and built their own fast car have raced their way to success.

Mechanical engineering students at Lancaster University were placed eighth out of 56 competitors in the International Formula Student Race Car Competition - and the fourth year students were the second best placed UK team.

The competition challenged students to design, build, develop, market and compete as a team with a small racing car.

Students from countries including America, Australia, Japan, South Korea and India took part. The overall winners were RMIT University from Australia.

Lancaster's single-seater racing car competed well in all events, with Laura Atkins achieving the third fastest acceleration time as she covered the 75m track in just 4.19 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds).

Alan Overton achieved the third fastest time during the autocross, only to be penalised for knocking over a cone and dropping to 16th.

"Many people also commented that Lancaster's car was the best looking at the event," says engineering lecturer Stephen Quayle.

"Lancaster beat much larger UK teams, many of which had dedicated automotive engineering courses."

Picture shows the Lancaster car being driven by Phil Buxton.