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 Baja SAE Oregon competition. Designs for the Baja vehicle is to be finalized in this Summer, with construction to begin in Fall with running vehicles in time for the Henry Samueli School of Engineering Winter Design Review in March 2025. Testing, practice runs, and repair will continue through the Spring in collaboration with our friends at Adams Motorsports Park to prepare for competition.
Please donate 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
