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Formula SAE: an insider's look at Detroit's international competition (part 2)

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Khatir Soltani
For this test, each pilot must complete 10 laps on a specifically-designed course. Ludovic went first and, while he wasn't among the fastest drivers, our top priority was to finish all 10 laps. At the ninth, however, Ludovic was reportedly told to enter the pit lane. What the heck was going on? As I approached the car to find out if there were any mechanical problems, a race official ordered Ludovic to get back in his car since he still had one lap to complete. He even gave him a warning for failing to observe the blue flag, which requires any driver to make way for the car behind him. As for Ludovic, he claimed that no one ever waved the blue flag in his direction, which is why he didn't pull to the side of the track.


We might never know the real truth. All that matters is that the team lost four precious minutes. That's huge! Anyway, Ludovic went back in and complete his final lap.

After that, it was Kevin's turn. Everyone was super nervous and praying that the car held up. Otherwise, it's "better luck next time". Tension was palpable as the car completed the last few laps. I saw Kevin turning the final corner at full speed and cross the checkered flag. What a relief!

All the dynamic tests were now in the books. Among the 42 teams that completed the endurance test, ETS had the lightest car -- and certainly one of the most fuel-efficient.

We headed back to our hotel with a relative sense of pride. Of course, the competition wasn't over yet. As mentioned earlier, we had to wake up the next morning at 7 a.m. for the design finals. The countries represented would be Canada, Finland, Austria and the Netherlands (sorry, United States!).

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada