Burglars have dashed the dreams of a budding go-kart team before they even reached the starting line.

Pupils at Falmer School, Brighton, were eagerly anticipating competing in the annual Green-power electric car race until their vehicle was stolen. Falmer was one of more than 40 Sussex schools busily building their own electric go-karts ready to compete for a place in the final at the famous Goodwood motor racing circuit.

The Falmer Falcons were a fortnight away from completing their go-kart when they came into school to find it had been stolen. All that remained were three tyres and a couple of aluminium poles earmarked to be bumpers.Team member Maisie Doherty, 13, said: "When I found out I felt angry and upset. I was looking forward to going out on the track and learning about the mechanics."

Team leader Michael Brett, head of design and technology, said: "The children were very, very disappointed. We were about to fix the wheels and the gears on when I had to tell the kids it had gone."

Now, with the first heats just weeks away, the team has made a plea to Sussex businesses to help them out.Mr Brett has organised replacement parts for most of the missing vehicle but without a chassis the go-kart has no back-bone. He said: "If we are going to get back in the race we urgently need a new lightweight aluminium chassis with the steering mechanism on."

Max Chessell, 14, who had joined the team for the second year running, said: "We hope someone will give us the parts we need. with our kart gone everyone is really fed up. We did well last year and we were going to do even better until this happened."

Mr Brett said: "The pupils get a lot of self esteem being able to compete on equal terms with students from other schools and do very well. I think a lot of our kids at Falmer School do not have this sort of opportunity open to them and I hope someone will come to our aid."

Anyone who can help can contact Pauline Wigmore, head secretary, on 01273 691191.