They are young, passionate, full of imagination and energy. They spend most, if not all, of their spare time working on single-seat race cars, dreaming of success and victories.
Yet, we're talking neither about Formula One nor a prestigious racing team. And said passion is not about speed. Rather, it's performance that counts -- pure, physical, classic performance.
It's the Formula SAE with Montreal's École de technologie supérieure (ETS), a group of engineering students who gather to create -- from the ground up -- a genuine open-wheel car capable of winning races on the track.
A unique series
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) started this unique racing series a couple of years ago with the participation of every major engineering school in North America. In Quebec, most universities like McGill, Sherbrooke and Montreal have taken part in this championship. That's what makes the challenge even more exciting for the young folks at ETS.
They have all the reasons to brag, since their car won a first-place prize in 2007 for design quality and braking performance. This year, the bar is set even higher; the ultimate goal, of course, is to win on the track.
Racecar driver and Auto123.com writer Bertrand Godin took part in a number of tests with the new version of the Formula SAE car, on a cold, rainy day at Circuit Mont Saint-Hilaire. He loved the experience, even though the steady downpour prevented him from getting very familiar with the car. Nevertheless, he came out quite impressed by its handling and braking capacities.
Specific rules
To create a Formula SAE car, students have to build from scratch and design the entire machine, including the chassis, engine and various systems. The assembly has to meet precise specifications and engineering standards while being unique in its own way.
Total production costs must remain under $25,000. The final product is then evaluated both on paper and in actual form. Obviously, criterions like handling, speed, braking and endurance are factored in to crown a winner.
A number of competitions take place throughout the year. There are three in North America, one of which is in Michigan and the ETS team will attend. The others are in California and Virginia, with only fame and bragging rights to take back home.
Since 2004, the ETS has always won at least one first-place prize, either for design or engineering excellence. Hopefully, they'll enjoy as much success this upcoming season.
Auto123.com will monitor their preparations over the next few weeks, so you will be able to learn more about the various steps and the final product.
photo:Philippe Champoux
Yet, we're talking neither about Formula One nor a prestigious racing team. And said passion is not about speed. Rather, it's performance that counts -- pure, physical, classic performance.
It's the Formula SAE with Montreal's École de technologie supérieure (ETS), a group of engineering students who gather to create -- from the ground up -- a genuine open-wheel car capable of winning races on the track.
A unique series
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) started this unique racing series a couple of years ago with the participation of every major engineering school in North America. In Quebec, most universities like McGill, Sherbrooke and Montreal have taken part in this championship. That's what makes the challenge even more exciting for the young folks at ETS.
 |
They have all the reasons to brag, since their car won a first-place prize in 2007 for design quality and braking performance. This year, the bar is set even higher; the ultimate goal, of course, is to win on the track.
Racecar driver and Auto123.com writer Bertrand Godin took part in a number of tests with the new version of the Formula SAE car, on a cold, rainy day at Circuit Mont Saint-Hilaire. He loved the experience, even though the steady downpour prevented him from getting very familiar with the car. Nevertheless, he came out quite impressed by its handling and braking capacities.
Specific rules
To create a Formula SAE car, students have to build from scratch and design the entire machine, including the chassis, engine and various systems. The assembly has to meet precise specifications and engineering standards while being unique in its own way.
Total production costs must remain under $25,000. The final product is then evaluated both on paper and in actual form. Obviously, criterions like handling, speed, braking and endurance are factored in to crown a winner.
A number of competitions take place throughout the year. There are three in North America, one of which is in Michigan and the ETS team will attend. The others are in California and Virginia, with only fame and bragging rights to take back home.
Since 2004, the ETS has always won at least one first-place prize, either for design or engineering excellence. Hopefully, they'll enjoy as much success this upcoming season.
Auto123.com will monitor their preparations over the next few weeks, so you will be able to learn more about the various steps and the final product.
 |
photo:Philippe Champoux
Article Gallery