Illini Formula Electric: FSAE Electric
Aerodynamics and Composites Lead Ben Schultz: “We have worked really hard to get our manufacturing done efficiently this year so we are excited to get lots of testing and useful data this year. If we collect this data now it can help to improve our design of the car in the future.” Events coming up:
- Engineering Open House (3/27-28)
- FSAE California (6/17-20)
Illini Motorsports: FSAE
President Alex Kirr and Captain Stephen Bosch: “Last year we had one of our best competition seasons finishing 17th at FSAE Michigan and 23rd at FSAE Lincoln while making design finals at FSAE Lincoln for the second time in team history. This year we have the privilege of working with a very talented and dedicated team. We’re looking forward to improving on last year’s successes.” Events coming up:
- Engineering Open House/Unveiling (3/27-28)
- FCA Test and Tune (4/24-25)
- FSAE Michigan (5/6-9)
- FSAE California (6/17-20)
The Offroad Illini: Baja SAE
Co-Captain Keira Frese: “From a vehicle standpoint. I’m excited to see our custom drivetrain work because it’s the first time we ever tried it. It really shows how much our team has grown. From a team perspective, I’m looking forward to seeing new members at competition. I remember that being some of the best times I had on Baja when I first joined and I’m hoping that new members will get to feel like that, too.” Events coming up:
- Winter Baja (2/15)
- Driving Car (2/29)
- Mock Endurance with Rochester Institute of Technology (3/13)
- Testing trip in Missouri (3/20)
- Engineering Open House (3/27-28)
- Baja SAE Arizona (4/16-19)
- Baja SAE Louisville (5/14-17)
- Baja SAE Illinois (6/3-6)
Eco Illini
Captain and Aerodynamics Lead Joseph Grigus: “This year we are trying some new reinforcement techniques for our carbon fiber chassis. It’s the biggest change in materials we’ve made since we switched to carbon fiber monocoques in 2012, so we’re hoping to see a 10% weight reduction.” Events coming up:
- Shell Eco-Marathon - (4/1-4)
- SAE Supermileage - Competition (6/6-7)
Illini EV Concept
President and Mechanical Lead Robert Mauge: “This year we are designing and manufacturing carbon fiber rims ourselves. This essentially will be the capstone project for our learning process with carbon fiber, as it requires a lot of knowledge and specialized skill to create successfully.” Events coming up:
- Engineering Open House (3/27-28)
- Shell Eco-Marathon (4/1)
Solar Car
Co-Director of Engineer Lucy Zhang: “We’re going to be trying out a new kind of motor that will hopefully give us a greater efficiency over the long distances we will be traveling. In addition, our array team has acquired some of the best silicon solar cells on the market; every percentage of efficiency counts for solar car racing!” Events coming up:
- Engineering Open House (3/27-3/28)
- Formula Sun Grand Prix (7/10)
- American Solar Challenge (7/18)