Back from racing in Arizona

[Ukraine Train]

Last week was the SAE Mini Baja West competition at the Caterpillar proving grounds and training center in Tinaja Hills, about a half hour south of Tucson. The final results haven't been posted yet but I'm guessing we got into the top third of 120 teams. The dynamic events were acceleration, hill climb, rock crawl, and the main event was a 100 mile endurance race. From what I hear only half the field finished the race, the track was pretty rough and people were breaking everywhere. We had to do a couple repairs during the race but were able to finish. The rock crawl was insane, first place only got 3/4 up the hill. I was driving for our team and got up to what would have been second place but then the tires hooked and I rolled over backwards. The distance is measured to where you vehicle stops so we didn't do too great as a result.

All the pics: http://www2.fabiens.net:443/gallery/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album84

A few highlights:
me rolling over:


heavy equipment:


Endurance race:






pit area:

[jefnvk]

I'm really starting to regret not going Mech Eng now.

[mtnbkr]

THAT LOOKS LIKE SOOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!

Jefnvk, me too.  

Chris

[cfabe]

Corrected link :
http://www2.fabiens.net:443/gallery/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album84

[nico]

That's pretty cool.  My best friend is on the team from UMBC.  If you're going to the national competition you'll be competing against them.  What are some of the specs on your car?

[jefnvk]

What are some of the specs on your car?

If you are going to spy for your friend, you don't tell him he is competing against your friend before he gives you the info

[Jamisjockey]

I see red x's.

[Ukraine Train]

Fixed the links.

[nico]

haha I'm not trying to spy.  Just curious.  iirc, my friend's team's car is around 310lbs this year.  They were one of  the lightest ((if not the lightest) last year and expect to be moreso this year.  

Last year they were doing pretty well until somebody ran into them during the race and broke their chain.

[Ukraine Train]

All teams use a 10hp Briggs engine, no modifications allowed. Our drivetrain consisted of a Comet CVT, F-N-R gearcase and a selectable neutral-locked-unlocked differential.

[jefnvk]

So, do you go to school in Flint, BG or Cleveland?

[Ukraine Train]

I go to Kettering University in Flint. I live outside of BG while on my co-op work term and my permanent home is in Cleveland, though I'm home only a couple weeks a year.