Each year, students from over 120 colleges compete in an automotive design competition hosted by the Professional Society for Automotive, Aerospace and Commercial vehicle engineers (SAE). During this three-day event, engineering majors are able to test out their skills and learn from others. Vehicles are subjected to static testing, technical application examination, overall presentation, cost and engineering design.
In May 2014, Colorado Mesa University’s engineering club took part in co-building a race car of their design and taking it to the Michigan International Speedway, making them the first race team at CMU. Although they have made a name for themselves, Mesa Motorsports is working hard this year to go into the competition more powerful and better than ever before.
Attending these competitions means making connections in the automotive industry. Different sponsors and judges attend that are a big name in motor vehicles and motorsports today. Brands like Ford and Chevy send officials to judge the overall competition.
Ryan Zinke is an engineering major and is one of the team members working on the car.
“It is something I always wanted to do when I was little.”
“It’s a great way to devote time into my passion and I gain experiences and make connections in the process,” Zinke said.
With years of background on automobiles, Zinke participates in race projects of his own. On top of the club, Zinke has been working on a 1965 Nova, replacing the suspension and redoing the powertrain.
“I am working on a ‘65 Nova to take to the strip and race, but I want to make it accessible to take out on the road well,” Zinke said.
Zinke explained how he was nothing but thankful to have another shot at getting the teams’ vehicle in top condition in time for the competition.
CMU is supporting these students by providing tools. Zinke also explained that new engineering building has also been helpful.
“They are really pushing us to succeed,” Zinke said. “They are very supportive and are helping us with fundraising with a Mavfunder.”
This year, the team is looking to be able to compete in the dynamic portion of the competition by practicing for the skid test. Last year, according to Zinke, the car was only able to lock up three of the wheels. When attempting to lock all four wheels, the box broke and disqualified them. This made it impossible for them to carry on in the competition. Zinke hopes that by over testing and careful decision making, Mesa Motorsports will be able to accomplish their goal.
“I think the issues last year was not enough testing.”
“So by running extra tests and precautions we are able to see what it is that still needs improvement,” Zinke said.
Determined and ready for another shot, the Mesa Motorsports are hard at work building what they hope will take them all the way.
