Hear how Ben Finbow’s passion led him to join Durham University’s Solar Car project

For the past 2 years, Ben has been quietly influencing some of our most ambitious technological advancements, acting as tech scout and tester, and providing the TimmerHaus Leadership with some powerful reverse mentoring. He is an invaluable member of the Operations Team, where he flourishes under the guidance of Eleanor Martin and perfectly complements the already heterogeneous team assimilated by Marc Timmerman, owner of TimmerHaus.

During a recent interview, we learn why Ben fits so well with the values and aspirations of TimmerHaus.

Ben is currently studying Psychology at Durham University. In addition to his course, his keen interest in the structure and design of cars led him to join Durham University Solar Car. This student-run team is responsible for the design & construction of solar-powered cars, financed entirely by third-party donations and external sponsorship, and competing internationally against other world-leading organisations. This year’s race is scheduled for October in Australia.

“I’m currently Head of Business for the 2023 project. I support the Engineering & Logistics teams, taking on responsibility for managing external sponsorships and driving diverse alliances with wider society via the Outreach team.”  

“The causal sequence is more impressive than you might think! We are basically using a special kind of motor that answers to a demand for hyper-efficiency whilst balancing the equation: how far and how fast, using the least amount of energy!”

Ben adds, “I am lucky enough to see the car grow from conceptual design through to completion and I see it as my responsibility to bring this vision to others… where better to start, than by reaching out to the talent of tomorrow.”  

Ben and his cohort take great joy in visiting primary schools, attending trade shows, and being present at public events that invite interest from the public. With a sense of pride, Ben leans in to elaborate, 

“These children are often learning the foundations and history of engineering and creation in the STEM topics they study, but it is never easy for them to see how that can translate into real-life situations. We help this to happen. We bring car-parts along with us and engage in engineering demonstrations and experiments that provide a tangible experience for them to be part of.”

Equally as important as these inspiring ripple effects, is the impact that the car designs may have on the future evolution of subsequent, sustainable vehicles.

“Our generation is governed by an awareness of the environment,” acknowledges Ben, “And this constantly influences the engineering decisions we make.”

Adopting a more serious tone, he goes on to explain, “We were all troubled by the knowledge that our 17-strong cohort would leave a considerable carbon footprint due to the flight to Australia, and so we are looking at ways that will counter the effects of our journey.”

 

A poignant pause brings a reflective summary. “Others don’t always ‘get’ the enormity of what we are doing. 20,000 hours of work goes into building one of these cars and that is not remotely reflective of the commitment it takes from the whole team in their different ways.” His pride is evident in his desire to present a vision of how powerful the experience is for those involved and those who connect with the experience along the way.

At TimmerHaus, we feel so privileged to have this exceptional individual working as part of our team. To Ben, this car is a “cool, insane piece of technology”. To us at TimmerHaus, Ben, himself, is simply ‘just cool.’ And to Marc Timmerman, who enjoys nothing better than to watch the skills and flair of this prodigy emerge, Ben is the epitome of courage and adventure. Together we cannot wait to see where his future will take him.