Horsham West Haven Primary School principal Andrew Parry said 22 students in two teams were heading west to compete in the sixth and final Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series event for 2019 on Saturday and Sunday.

"We've got three vehicles travelling to Murray Bridge. This year we also have a team of 10 parents called the Wimmera Fossils," he said.

"We went last year with an all-female and all-male team, and the girls won the 24-hour race and the Australian title. This year our mixed team is leading the open section ahead of this event."

Mr Parry said the students worked across the year to design and test their aerodynamic, pedal-powered machines.

Related: Human-powered vehicle racing returns to Dimboola for a third year

"There is a lot of science, mechanics and physics involved, so it ticks a lot of boxes curriculum-wise in an engaging way," he said.

"We started out by going to the Energy Breakthrough racing event in Maryborough, and a core component of that is awareness of sustainability. Initially we competed in just one race in the super series, but it's so well-run, it's our preferred event now."

The race is conducted on a 1.7-kilometre circuit on the banks of the Murray River. Competitors will practice on Friday night before racing non-stop between midday on Saturday and midday Sunday.

Robbie Turmine, 12, said he needed to drink a lot of water to avoid getting dehydrated and to concentrate on going fast.

"It's fun - especially turning around the corners," he said. "We learn a lot about how the carts work and what they're made of."

Holy Trinity Lutheran College and Horsham College are also sending teams to the event.

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