We are very grateful to have filmed an interview with Claude Rouelle, a formula SAE design judge and President of OptimumG. His advice is priceless. If you are interested in joining this is a great video to watch!
Formula SAE is an amazing and unique opportunity for students to gain experience in real world engineering challenges. By applying our engineering knowledge we are able create a formula racecar and an off-road baja, which then compete against hundreds of student organizations from all over the world.
UIC Motorsports is a non-profit, student organization. It allows students to exercise real life situations and gain engineering experience prior to joining the workforce. Aside from giving students an opportunity to learn hands on, you will also receive:
The design philosophy of our 2011 vehicle is one of simplicity, reliability, cost effectiveness, and competiveness. All of the components in the '11 are bought or are simple enough that large-scale production would still be cost effective. Our goal was to put all of these parts together so that they would create a well- rounded and competitive vehicle that could be easily maintained and driven by an average racing consumer
We are working our way at engineering the lightest, most powerful car, with the stiffest frame. Our design goals for this vehicle centered around designing a well packaged, easy to produce, easily drivable, low CG vehicle. A low CG allows the largest performance gains, while maintaining our other goals by best utilizing any weight penalties ergonomics and producability add to the car. It is a good stable platform that an average weekend racer could easily transport, maintain, race, and compete in, while always having the option of easily upgrading; knowing that their base vehicle is solid and reliable.
Our huge improvement at the student competition in Michigan is attributed to anyone who gave use a helping hand. Thank you for giving us your time and knowledge. We dare to image what we would do without you.
The 2011 University of Illinois at Chicago Baja team is looking forward to competing in Peoria this year. This vehicle is the first Baja at UIC to be constructed out of chromolly tubing. Using concepts from the 2010 frame, the 2011 frame has been completely redesigned to save weight while maintaining structural rigidity and increase comfort for the driver. The independent rear suspension has also been completely redesigned to reduce weight and allow for more adjustability.
Improvements on the front suspension and steering have been made to fix binding issues that limited the suspension travel on last year's vehicle. The drivetrain components on this years vehicle will be placed with increased precision to improve efficiency and constructed out of higher strength materials to reduce the risk of failure. The new designs and improvements should make for a very competitive car this year. The UIC Baja team would also like to thank all of our sponsors, without them this would not be possible.
You provide us with the necessary equipment, and funds that allow us to engineer our designs. Thank you!
Adam Miszta: President, Media Captain
E-mail: adam.j.miszta@gmail.com
Kaila Edwards: Vice President
E-mail: kailaaedwards@gmail.com
Juan Guzman: Baja Team Captain
E-mail: jpguzman55@gmail.com
Eric Breitbach: Baja Team Co-Captain
E-mail: ebreit2@uic.edu
Peter Stanek: Formula Captain
E-mail: pstanek2@gmail.com
William Knowles: Formula Team Co-Captain
E-mail: wilm3smg@gmail.com
Leslie Malaki: Secretary
E-mail: lmalak3@uic.edu
Kenneth Brezinsky, Professor
E-mail: kenbrez@uic.edu
Phone: (312) 996-9430
University of Illinois at Chicago,
Society of Automotive Engineers
1220 Science and Engineering Laboratories (MC 251),
842 W. Taylor Street,
Chicago, IL 60607
Office: (312) 996-5150
