SPU Falcons Racing BAJA SAE
Title: Chassis Team Lead
What can I say…. I have a need… A need for speed!
Dream it.
I have been the chassis team lead for 2 years, directing the sub team of at times as large as 9 engineers to deliver the car on time for competition. We frequently use Solidworks CAD / Simulation tools with collaborative technical problem solving to design suspensions, steering, brake, and driver interface elements. We have been working hard on a clean sheet, ground up redesign for 2020-2021 seasons.
Build it.
I live in the machine shop most weeks. I am proud to say that I am one of the Engineering department’s most experienced fabricators and am the Principle machinist for the club. I am competent using 3 axis mills, hydraulic presses, MIG welding, and sheers. My favorites are TIG welding and lathe operations.
Grow it.
Despite the team being less than 5 years old, we consistently score in the top half of over 100+ competitors at races in California, Oregon, and Arizona. We thoroughly test and document the vehicle before competition. For more information, see the Technical Documents link below.
The Race.
The 2019 Race was in Southern California. we prepped the car for heat and dust and was instead confronted with snow and mud. We passed tech-inspection (I assure you no small feat) and had satisfactory performance in individual events. During the 4 hour endurance race, we nosedived into a rock obstacle which sheared a tie rod, forcing us to retire. Good racing always leaves the team with a long list of design improvements for next time!
