After more than a year of work in the lab, a group of a dozen engineering students making up the core of their team unveiled WSU's first formula racing car, Monday, May 10, in the Engineering Courtyard.

The sleek gold and green racecar with a Honda 600cc motorcycle engine driven by Team Captain Vijay Venugopal slid up to the reception area upon its first test drive around campus. Team members whooped, hollered and hugged each other to celebrate.

Wayne State University Provost met team members and climbed aboard for publicity shots. Representatives from companies sponsoring the car were present, as were Interim Dean Ralph Kummler, faculty and staff. "This is a dedicated bunch of students who worked both night and day on this project," said Interim Dean Ralph Kummler. "Obviously, it is a fantastic learning experience for them."

The project began last spring with a dream shared by a small group of grad and undergrads to build a car from scratch to compete in this year's international Formula SAE competition. Students conceptualized the frame design by imagining someone sitting in space, and literally building the design around that figure.

"This is a very dedicated group of self-starters who have overcome every obstacle in their way to build this car," said Michelle Grimm, associate dean of academic affairs, and the team's advisor. "It's been a important educational experience for them. I'm very impressed with the way they've handled themselves, including the way the upper class students have been teaching lower class ones."

The Formula SAE competition challenges university student teams to design, fabricate and compete small formula-style racecars. Restrictions are placed on the car frame and engine so the student's knowledge are tested. Four-cycle engines up to 610cc can be turbocharged or supercharged to add a new dimension to the challenge of engine design. The competition includes events in design and cost as well as field events in acceleration, autocross and endurance.

Although the 140 teams registered for the 5-day competition are required to field new cars, Wayne State's entry will be among only a few without previous experience in formula competitions, says Dmitri Frankstein, the team's assistant captain.

Major sponsors of the team are the College of Engineering, Ford Research Labs, Engineering and WSU Alumni Associations, Schenck Pegasus, Roush Composites, American Axle and Manufacturing, and Arvin Meritor.

For more information on the car, the competition, and more photos, visit www.eng.wayne.edu

Contact: David Reich