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THE CAR
The process of creating a successful race car begins early in the year with the car's design. Before any tubes are cut and welded, the entire car is designed using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. This allows us to integrate all the components together and resolve potential problems before manufacturing begins. We manufacture the majority of the parts on the car; parts such as the engine, shocks, and tires are purchased, but even with purchased parts a great deal of customization takes place. For example, while the engine is originally used on a Honda motorcycle, the complete intake, exhaust, fuel, and control systems are custom, leaving the engine design team with a great deal of freedom.
THE SUBSYSTEMS
Aerodynamics
Vertically Challenged
Major components
Front and rear wings, floor, sidepods, bodywork, seat
Key tools
SolidWorks, HyperWorks, Optimum Lap
Core skills
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), carbon fiber layups
From the team
The Aerodynamics subsystem aims to improve vehicle performance via the manipulation of airflow around the car. It provides a diverse experience between design, validation, testing, and manufacturing. This year, we are focusing on improving the performance of the aero package, including expanding our testing methods, experimenting with new manufacturing, and implementing an active aerodynamic system.
Chassis
Got Mounts?
Major components
Chassis, impact attenuator
Key tools
Welder, SolidWorks
Core skills
CAD modeling and simulation, welding
From the team
The chassis is the main structure of the car that distributes loads and keeps our drivers safe. It’s vital to design quickly and correctly so that all other subsystems can attach their components to the frame.
Powertrain
Vroomin' and Zoomin'
Major components
Engine, drivetrain, turbo, fuel system
Key tools
SolidWorks, Ricardo Wave, engine dyno, MoTeC, Optimum Lap
Core skills
CAD modeling, transmission analysis, lap simulation, thermal analysis
From the team
Our job is to make the car go fast. If you like a mixture of loud noises, design, and manufacturing, the powertrain subsystem might be the place for you. Whether you’ve spent years under the hood or only know how to pump gas, we’re excited to have you on the team.
Vehicle Dynamics
(sus)pension
Major components
Suspension, wheels, steering, brake system
Key tools
Optimum Kinematics, Optimum Tire, SolidWorks
Core skills
CAD modeling and simulation, data visualization
From the team
The Vehicle Dynamics subsystem focuses on the car's handling and all related components. We focus on the connection point between the vehicle and the ground and how the vehicle accelerates, brakes, steers, and corners. The team is manufacturing and simulation heavy, and we guarantee it has something for everyone.
Vehicle Systems
It's Electric! boogie woogie woogie
Major components
Wiring harness, BSPD, throttle body, servo motors, data ingestion
Key tools
Altium, RapidHarness, MoTeC
Core skills
Logic validation, component research, wiring schematic design
From the team
Circuits. Wires. Sensors. Logic. Switches. Pins. Data. Tuning. Vehicle Systems pulls the car together, linking and working with every subsystem on the team. We operate through our main critical devices, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and the Power Distribution Module (PDM), and provide hands-on experience integrating complex systems, applying universal electrical concepts, and creating a robust product with visible results in real time.
Operations
Behind the Scenes
Major components
Recruitment, sponsorship, online presence
Key tools
Wix, Canva, Airtable
Core skills
Writing, photography, graphic design
From the team
The Operations subsystem's main focus throughout the year is to manage the team's public image. Operation allows us to maintain our long term success by promoting key events and documenting the hard work that goes on in the garage. We encourage new ideas and want to showcase the unique aspects that makes our team who we are.
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