University Of Virginia SAE Mini-Baja

Oct 7th 2009,

This past weekend team members of Virginia Baja Racing took advantage of their Fall Break to get a jump start on the construction of the 2010 Car’s space frame. This marks the earliest start date for the build cycle and was only obtainable from a highly iterative redesign of last year’s space frame. Notable changes include an extension of the tub and wheel base by 3in which cause a weight gain of 4 lbs. However, this year’s rear frame looks to make up for the weight gain by further minimizing members behind the firewall. As it stands, this year’s front space frame will weigh about 57 lbs. The tubes this year also are of only 3 different sizes, maximizing efficiency in production, particularly with regards to bending and notching times. This past weekend all of the tubes with an outer diameter of 1 in were cut and bent.

Kyle Lamson

Vice-President

2010 Frame Captain

Before we begin a new year of SAE Baja, we feel it is time to reflect for a bit on last year’s final competition.

On June 10, 2009 members from the team traveled to Wisconsin to compete in Baja Wisconsin SAE.  Through the many setbacks we experienced we placed a respectable 57th overall, with our best rank being in the mud bog at 11th.  We completed all 5 of the dynamics events, generally placing well. A notable improvement over the reliability issues that we faced at Auburn.  However the endurance race again rang the bell on our drive train and rear suspension.  After a strong 11 laps, our car’s issues with consistency stole the day, leaving us with much to consider in the 2010 year. Encouragingly however, most of the car was excellently executed allowing us in this next year to only minimally iterate on the majority of the body. The bulk of the effort will be spent solving what has been for our 5 year team an indecipherable enigma: the drive train.

The competitions next year will be held in New York at RIT, South Carolina at Clemson, and in Washington. Unfortunately however, it is unlikely that we will making in an appearance in the beautiful Northwest.

Kyle Lamson

Vice-President

Virginia Baja Racing