UE Team Scores Its Best Finish in Formula Car Competition
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Students in the University of Evansville’s College of Engineering & Computer Science continued their exciting run through the 2008 competition season last week, earning their best placement ever in the 2008 FSAE Formula Car Competition.
The UE team, which had never placed in the top half of competitors at the international competition, this year placed 30th of 120 teams. It marks the third straight year that UE’s team has improved in the standings, after finishing 109th in 2005, 76th in 2006, and 61st in 2007.
"We’ve made tremendous strides in the four years we’ve taken part in the Formula Car competition," said Brian Swenty, chair of UE’s Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. "So obviously, we’re incredibly proud of this group, and the huge step forward they’ve taken. Many of the students on this team are seniors who have been involved all four years, and now are having the opportunity to use what they’ve learned in past years.
"That knowledge is helping them both to better their own product, and to mentor the younger students who will carry this competition forward."
The vehicles, which are built from scratch by the student teams, and driven by the student teams, are measured in several categories, including acceleration, endurance, and fuel consumption. The UE team finished 22nd in the acceleration portion of the competition, and for the first time ever, completed the 22-kilometer endurance portion. That portion requires two drivers – the second of whom must restart the engine while it is VERY hot – and a measure of fuel consumption at the end.
The competition’s overall champion was the University of Western Australia, with several of the top teams coming from across an ocean with a larger budget than UE’s team.
But members of the Aces team said they didn’t expect that to hold them back.
"Obviously, over the last four years, our team has made great strides in making the University of Evansville competitive on a world stage," said team member Ian McGiffin. "And fortunately, we still believe there is significant room for improvement, and look forward to taking another step forward next year!"
