Taking turns at high speeds while adrenaline rushes through the driver’s body and wind rushes over his or her head.
This is how sponsors of MSU’s Formula SAE (Society for Automotive Engineering) Race Team described their experiences on a makeshift track Saturday at Lot 89, the commuter lot.
The team wanted to recognize those who make the design and construction of the car possible.
“This is a day to show appreciation to the businesses, faculty and parents that help us out,” said Matt Palomaki, team project manager and mechanical engineering senior.
Palomaki is one of about 40 MSU students who design, manufacture and race against 135 teams from all over the world every May at the Pontiac Silverdome.
“We’ll finish up our final design the first of November, start manufacturing after that and finish by the beginning of May,” Palomaki said.
Last year, the team finished 25th overall, but came in second place in a category based on design and marketing. Palomaki said the team needs to improve on driving accuracy and speed, which accounts for 50 percent of the competition.
He added having sponsors come and test drive the car helps get team members’ names out to potential future employers.
“We are 95 percent independent from the university - and we would like to keep it that way,” Palomaki said.
“This provides a contact to companies like Ford, Visteon and Chrysler.”
Jerry Dixon, a mechanical and computer engineering junior, is in charge of the designing process.
“I have to make sure everything comes together,” he said. “My name is on the car.”
Dixon said the designing process takes between five and six months and about four months to manufacture the car.
“Basically, we start from the wheels and rims and work our way in,” he said.
Richard Lo, a Visteon Corp. employee, had a chance to drive the car. Visteon is one of the largest automobile suppliers in the world.
Lo participated in the Society for Automobile Engineering program when he attended the University of Washington and said it was a great opportunity to get behind the wheel again.
“This is the fastest thing I’ve driven on four wheels with a motorcycle engine,” he said.
The car, which was used in last year’s competition, has been clocked at 93.5 miles per hour.
And Lo said he was impressed the MSU group held an event for sponsors.
“This is the first time I’ve heard about students doing this,” Lo said. “Getting a chance to meet them one on one is great.”
