
The Gilroy Velocity Raptors have returned home from Chemnitz, Germany, after proudly representing their school, community, and Australia at the World Hydrogen Grand Prix Championships.
The students spent months preparing their hydrogen-powered car before embarking on the 36-hour journey to Europe. Once there, they joined teams from across the globe in showcasing the future of clean energy and engineering.
The week in Chemnitz was more than just racing. The Raptors immersed themselves in German culture, toured museums, universities and technology institutes, and even formed a special partnership with Team Pantera from Sacramento, USA. Along the way they strengthened international friendships, broadened their STEM knowledge, and gained valuable insight into real-world hydrogen innovation.
Race day tested the Raptors’ skills and spirit. Despite mechanical setbacks, the students demonstrated remarkable resilience, repairing, rewiring, and fine-tuning their car until the very last buzzer. Their determination impressed judges and inspired fellow competitors.
The journey would not have been possible without the generosity of the local community. Businesses, families, and service clubs provided the financial and moral support that enabled the students to travel across the world and compete with confidence.
While the Raptors did not take home a trophy this year, they returned with memories, knowledge, and a drive to build an even stronger car for the future. Above all, they proved that with passion, teamwork, and community behind them, regional students can dream big and achieve big.
This experience shows what regional students can achieve on the world stage. The Raptors are not only our students today, but our scientists, engineers, and innovators of tomorrow.




