Forze Hydrogen Racing takes new IX to the track at Jack’s Racing Days
Forze Hydrogen Racing is a team of interdisciplinary students, largely from Delft University of Technology, who are deeply committed to advancing hydrogen automotive engineering.
Forze is built on large numbers: over 180 passionate members, 18 years industry experience, and 9 hydrogen cars, and yet they are driven by just one purpose, to demonstrate that “the future of racing lies with hydrogen”.
On the 11th of August 2025, Forze reached a crucial milestone in an evolution spanning nearly two decades.
The most recent generation of car, the Forze IX, competed in the Supercar Challenge of Jack’s Racing Days. This competitive display of hydrogen technology exposed the motorsport fans at the TT Circuit Assen to a sustainable alternative to the typical combustion cars that the Forze IX was running alongside.
Elevating hydrogen’s profile
Forze Partnership Manager Philip Groenemeijer noted motorsports’ role in raising the public profile of hydrogen, describing it as “A unique platform to connect with thousands of people in an emotionally engaging way. Hydrogen is a great clean energy carrier, but it’s still far less familiar to the public than battery-electric technology.
“Each race is an opportunity to spark conversations, challenge misconceptions, and show that hydrogen can deliver high-speed, zero-emission performance.”
Ryan Zondag, team manager of Forze, similarly classified the team’s on-track demonstration as “a preview of what hydrogen can mean in a world where sustainability is urgently needed.”
Overcoming challenges
Forze finished the race in 46th position, but although the team may not have headed back to university with a trophy, by placing their car in this dynamic setting they gained invaluable data and technical feedback which will contribute towards their ongoing development process.
Groenemeijer highlighted the team’s key takeaways from participating at Jack’s Racing Days: “It was an excellent opportunity to manage the full scope of racing, varying from organisational logistics to on-the-day execution.
“Cooling is one of hydrogen technology’s key challenges, and this race provided us with important lessons in that area.”
From go-kart to supercar
The Forze IX itself features the very latest technology in hydrogen innovation, containing two fuel cell systems, an electric all-wheel drive, and intelligent control technology.
Eight cars on from that first hydrogen-powered go-kart, Forze has established itself as a trailblazer of student motorsport – a position cemented by their title as the only student team working with high-power automotive fuel cells worldwide.
The future of Forze
Following the celebrations of this weekend’s success, the flurry of activity in the Forze garage will inevitably recommence as Groenemeijer details the team’s big goals for the coming year.
“Our main focus is on integrating the second 120 kW fuel cell into the Forze IX, meaning that the car has two operating BoPs (Balance of Plants), an extremely unique design. Alongside this, we’ll continue refining our cooling, electronics, and control systems to handle endurance racing conditions.”
You won’t have to wait too long for another Forze IX sighting, as Groenemeijer tells us to expect the team to be “back on the track at multiple events” as they “push the limits of hydrogen-powered motorsport”.
