Henry Africano prepares for a strong finish in the autocross event.After technical glitches derailed their hopes for a strong showing at the Michigan SAE event this spring, the 2010-11 team members had serious concerns. It would be tough to see all of this year’s hard work, savvy design, and mechanical expertise go unrewarded.
Written by By William Bowman
Henry Africano prepares for a strong finish in the autocross event.
After technical glitches derailed their hopes for a strong showing at the Michigan SAE event this spring, the 2010-11 team members had serious concerns. It would be tough to see all of this year’s hard work, savvy design, and mechanical expertise go unrewarded.
But after taking 6th place out of 80 entrants in their final event—the California SAE event, held June 15-18 in Fontana, CA—the team’s concerns were put to rest in style.
To place so highly, teams needed to finish strongly across all events, which the Illinois team did. Before the racing even began, the Illinois car grabbed 8th place in the design event, an achievement they knew was possible after feedback they received at the Michigan SAE.
“During the judging of the Michigan event, the aero judges during our review said our car was the best presentation for aero of the 120 teams,” said Michael Philpott, the team’s faculty adviser and an associate professor in the Mechanical Science and Engineering department. “So I think the aerodynamics of the car were superb this year, and it looks very cool. A combination of those things certainly helped us.”
Once the racing began on the hot California track, the team notched several more high finishes, including 6th place in the skidpad event (driven by Dale Sormaz); 20th place in the acceleration event (driven by Andrew Morrill); and 8th place in the autocross event (driven by Henry Africano). The use of different drivers, while the rest of the 14-student team planned and made adjustments behind the scenes, was indicative of how this year’s squad worked together for ultimate success.
“They seemed to have a good repertoire, no personality issue or conflicts,” Philpott said. “The team was a great team, very good at working together.”