UVM’s Mini Baja club is headed to compete in a trio of races sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE). The first competition will span April 14-17, 2011 and it takes place in in Birmingham, Alabama. The competition is comprised of  three events: acceleration, maneuverability, and suspension. The UVM team will also compete in Kansas on May 26-29, and in Illinois during June 8-11.  

This collegiate design series is hosted by SAE every year and it is known as known as "Mini Baja." In the competitions, Universities from around the world work to design, build, test, and race highly competitive vehicles. Specific rules govern vehicle aspects such as chassis design and engine model (all teams must use an identical 10hp Briggs & Stratton engine) but designs vary greatly from school to school and year to year.

Last year the UVM car’s rear wheels locked and the gearbox cracked leaving the team unable to continue in the competition. The team addressed this problem by designing a new gear box that is more durable and efficient, using carbon fiber reinforced rubber belts provided by the Gates Corporation, a new Mini Baja sponsor.

The UVM Mini Baja (AKA: Catamount Racing) became a club in 1999 started by 7 senior mechanical engineering students.  Despite limited funds, tools and shop space, an eager team successfully built and raced their first vehicle in the spring of 2000. In addition to faculty support within the UVM College of Engineering, the team receives a generous budget each year from the UVM Student Government Association. Outside funding through local sponsors, Briggs & Stratton, CEMS, Control Resources, DR Power, Goodrich Corp., Honeywell, Pizzagalli, Polaris and The University of Vermont, allow the team to travel to three national events each year.

To view pictures of the UVM Mini Baja visit: http://www.catamountracing.com/Pages/Media/09-10.html

Here is the WPTZ TV5 coverage. (66Mb)