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Spring 2004 |
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Cover Story
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"We could do very, very well." Andy Eis, a senior in mechanical engineering from Orange City, Iowa, surveys the chassis skeleton that in four short weeks will become a gleaming speed machine. Eis, a project director for Iowa State's Cyclone Racing Formula Team, is helping to coordinate the team's participation in what is becoming one of the most recognized international engineering competitions—the Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) Formula competition, which will be held May 19–23 in Pontiac, Michigan. Approximately 2,500 students, professionals, and racing fans will watch the car compete against 139 other cars from around the world in the five-day event.Eis and the 65 other members of the club are optimistic. "We pretty much fixed everything the judges commented on last year. They shouldn't have too many complaints with this new car," said Eis. Last year's car, Lucky #13, placed 22nd out of 125—the highest in the team's six-year history with the competition. This year's car has a feature that has ignited new, statewide enthusiasm for the project: it is fueled by an 85-percent ethanol blend. Although the corn-based, high-octane fuel has proven itself with racers, last year fewer than 5 percent of SAE Formula teams used it. "We're the only Iowans in the race; it makes sense that we'd promote one of our state's best-known renewable resources," said Project Director Dan De Clute, of Ames, Iowa, a senior in mechanical engineering. Choosing to use ethanol has meant more work for team members because they had to adjust calculations and materials. But the choice has come with  substantial PR dividends. When it came time to find philanthropic sponsors for the team's $25,000 budget, previously untapped organizations emerged, said Eis. For example, sponsors include the Iowa Energy Center, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, and Iowa State's Office of Biorenewables Programs.The students have done their share of giving back by appearing with Lucky #13 at schools and parades and educating community groups about the benefits of ethanol. They even testified before an Iowa House Committee on Natural Resources. Creating a racecar takes dedication, expertise, and collaboration. With no faculty assistance, the students have spent thousands of hours designing, manufacturing, testing, and tuning. The secret to succeeding at the May race, said Jason Tracy of Webster, Minnesota, a senior in mechanical engineering, will be to complete the car in time to test it. "Last year, we had only a few hours before the competition to drive ‘Lucky' around in the parking lot. This year, we have everything to be a top car. If we have plenty of time to test and train before the competition, we could win." For more information on the Formula car, see www.cyclone-racing.com/formula. | |
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