The boys, who are part of a home-schooling group known as the Family Learning Association, participated last year in a worldwide project called “F1 in Schools” which involved designing a miniature formula one racing car from balsa wood.

Jaiden Lanigan, Nicholas Lawler and Jacob Dobrich travelled to Midland in September last year to take part in a “Challenge Day” where they showcased their involvement in the project.

The boys were announced as “Apprentice Champions of the State” and also claimed the “Innovation Award” for 2010, which brought with it an invitation to the Sydney national finals.

The boys have since redesigned their car, according to Nicholas, “to lose some of the weight but keep the basic shape the same.

“The aerodynamics were good, but the weight of the car let us down a bit,” Nicholas said.

While in Sydney they will again be judged on their oral presentation, portfolio, display booth, interview and car performance.

The racing will include time trials and a knock-out competition.

They will have the added bonus of participating in a ‘skid-pan’ activity and other activities related to their “F1” experiences.