With Less, Do More
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Leadership Team 2026
TEAM PRINCIPAL - LIZ WILKIE
Hi I’m Liz and I’m the Team Principal for the Academy Racing Team for 2026.
I grew up in Sydney and started at ADFA as a RAAF trainee studying a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering in 2024. I have been part of the mechanical subsystem since joining the team and served as the Structures Lead in 2025.
I can’t wait to see the new heights the team will reach this year as we continue to grow, innovate and improve.
STRUCTURES LEAD - TOM DE POORTER
I’m Thomas. I grew up in Canberra and am currently halfway through my Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. As structures lead, I am responsible for the chassis, bodywork and any required mounting points. This year, we are also implementing our first aero package in the form of an floor to improve downforce, improving cornering and acceleration.
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My goals for this year are to improve the quality of the carbon fibre parts, notably improving on weight reduction and surface quality, as well as improving the cockpit and driver safety.
DYNAMICS LEAD - HAMISH WILLIAMSON
I’m Hamish currently serves as the dynamics lead of Academy Racing. In this role, they are responsible for overseeing the design of suspension, steering, outboards, etc.
Previously, I served as the steering designer and helped calibrate suspension before test days. This year I aim to improve the suspension design with help from Mitchell Gammie, and steering with Lachlan Bruni. I also wishes to rectify mistakes made with last years outboards.
HIGH VOLTAGE LEAD - AYDEN COUTINHO
Hi I'm Ayden, a 2nd year RAAF trainee officer studying a Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security and the current High Voltage Lead for the Academy Racing team.
I work mainly on the Tractive System and ensuring its rules compliance. My goals moving into this year is to better integrate the HV System into the car and work on upskilling the elec team.
LOW VOLTAGE LEAD - JIMMY LIN
My name is Jimmy and I am a second year RAAF electrical engineer and this year I am the Low Voltage subsystem lead. I am responsible for all the safety system, communications as well as the control circuits.
This year the goal is to refine the car so that it is fully rules compliant and ready to race. My goal is to deliver a base for future iterations of the car through documentation, team learning as well as establishing modular components for future use.
