Though
successful as a scholar in theoretical kinematics and the geometric design of
linkages, it was as the Chief Technology Officer at Accuray Incorporated where
I found how truly exciting it is to build engineered systems. When I returned,
I joined a group of students who wanted to build an off-road vehicle for an
intercollegiate competition. It was 2003, a terrible car, but so much fun, and
I have not looked back.
Just
when I thought we knew what we were doing the goals shifted to an Internal
Combustion Formula race car, then an Hybrid Electric Formula car, and then
multiples of various types of vehicles. During the worst years of engineering
layoffs, when companies were not even interviewing our graduates, this
experience got my students jobs.
Now 20 years in we are ready for a new era. The goal is to build a community to support the performance of UCI’s race team so we can excel in intercollegiate competitions. This shift can occur because Racecar Engineering is now a technical elective, and we can focus on building an effective team engineering tradition.
The advising team for this activity begins with Robert “Smitty” Smith who joined us in 2004. In 2008, he worked with the boys from Change for Balance to make Racecar Engineering videos that are watched by teams around the world. He helped our cars get better, while he obtained several motorcycle speed records. Phil Chipman guides our systems approach to engineering. Phil, retired from Boeing, and in addition to cart racing, built his own electric vehicle for our Energy Invitational in 2010. Soon afterwards we met Timel Sebastian, who managed the set-up, safety and execution of our Energy Invitational in collaboration with Kathy Johnson of Vital Link of OC. Now, Timel advises our teams on the business of racing. And, Ron Kessler and QV Dang joined us to help with electrical and embedded systems. It is a superb team, all of whom are anxious to see us achieve excellence. But we cannot do it without your support, the support of our alumni and friends.
Right
now we are focused on the Formula SAE - EV Oregon competitions, which occur in
late Spring and early Summer 2024. Designs for the EV vehicle are to be
finalized this Summer, with construction to begin in Fall with running vehicles
in time for the Henry Samueli School of Engineering Annual Design Review.
Testing, practice runs, and repair will continue in collaboration with our
friends at Adams Motorsports Park to prepare for competition.
Please donate to the Anteater Formula SAE - Engineering Team Projects Fund and be a part of our Anteater Racing
Alumni and Friends community. We hope to make
you proud of our performance this year and going forward.
Zotfully yours,
J Michael McCarthy
Distinguished Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering