Chassis team has assembled the chassis frame, A-arms, and suspension geometry. Upper suspension brackets allow for adjustment of the static camber to optimize the wheel contact patch’s. The frame’s internal support members have been measurably welded together to sustain a nominal race load. The engine team is examining the clutch plate wear for reliability during intense power shifting. The rest of the team is working hard towards finishing the other components. Final assembly is expected in early April 2013. To follow the build process, and see more pictures, visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/unfsae

If you would like to attend our meetings we meet every Monday at 5pm in the Student Union room 3605.

The team is very excited  for all the recent events and is looking forward to the upcoming competition year!

We arrived to Michigan a day early were able to register the night before the competition. This saved us several hours of waiting in line the next day. One of the most important parts of being successful at competition is to be first in line at each event. Since the events are first come, first serve, it’s important to arrive as far in advance as possible to each event.

Since we registered the night before, we were able to go directly to technical inspection. Every team’s car is subject to an extremely close inspection which can last up to an hour. The inspection checks for rules and safety compliance . When a team passes technical inspection they are award a Level 1 sticker. There are 3 levels that must be passed before your car can even drive.

The Level 2 sticker is awarded once you pass noise and brake. The noise test measures how loud your car is. Vehicles must be below 108dB in order to pass. Next the vehicle is checked to make sure all four wheels lock up when the brakes are applied.

When Level 1 and 2 are complete, you are eligible for tilt test. T he car is placed on a device that tilts the car 60 degrees. This is to make sure the car doesn’t leak and won’t flip over when driving on the track. When you pass tilt, you are given the level 3 sticker.

Osprey Racing passed all of these inspections with flying colors and we received all three stickers. This is extremely impressive for a first year team. Even highly experience teams can struggle with these tests.  Of the 120 teams that show up to Michigan, only about 60% of the teams pass these inspections, many on the 2nd or 3rd attempt. We were very proud to pass all of these on our first try.

On the second day, we completed all of our static events: design, business, and presentation. We weren’t the best but we did a good job for a first year team. A design judge said, “You guys are the best first year team I’ve ever seen. ”

On the third day, we began to have oil leaks and needed to repair the issue. After 3 hours of troubleshooting, the problems were diagnosed and repairs were being completed. Repairs were completed at the last minute and we were able to complete the skidpad and acceleration events. Some teams cars suffered failures and they were not able to complete these events. Again we’re extremely proud to finish the events. We were also able to complete the autocross event later in the day.

The next day we were scheduled for endurance at 9am in the morning. Endurance is the final dynamic event and only 50% of the schools even finish the event. If the car breaks down at any point, you are disqualified from the event. It’s a grueling a 10-lap 22km course with a mandatory driver change.

Endurance is the pinnacle of the competition and every team wants to finish. The even lasts all day. One team’s vehicle caught on fire. The driver escaped safely without any injuries and the fire was put out quickly. Another team lost a wheel while driving. Other teams suffered mechanical failures and had to be towed off the course.

Our car was driving extremely reliably and we didn’t suffer and mechanical failures. Unfortunately during our driver change, a judge noticed two drops of oil coming from our car and ordered us off the course. We were sad we didn’t finish endurance but we’re extremely proud of our accomplishments.

We want to thank all of our sponsors for helping us realize this dream and for your support. We couldn’t have done it without you. Please stay tuned for our Sponsor Appreciate event. Details to follow.

If you need riding gear or parts for your motorcycle, make sure to stop by the shop located HERE.

The full photo album can be seen here

Special Thanks to SD Faircloth at Jaguar Fuel Injector Services for cleaning and bench-marking our fuel injectors! Went from one injector working to all four working in very little time.

Make sure to keep them in mind next time you need you fuel injectors serviced!

2012 is the beginning of a new and exciting year.

I want to take this time to thank every one for your
support. You have made our program a success!

We have 5 months left until the fruits of our labor are tested. We
have been working hard for the past two years and our success will
hinge upon a single international competition in May 2012.
We are very close to finishing the car and will announce an unveiling
date in the near future.

We wish everyone good fortune and hope this 2012 brings you success.

Thank you for sponsoring us.