The student-led Cal Poly chapter of the Formula Hybrid Society of Automotive Engineers will travel to New Hampshire for the 2009 Formula Hybrid Competition on May 4.
“This is crunch time. We’re trying to get final assembly done so we can test it at the end of the week,” said John Caffrey, an associate professor from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The three-day event will showcase 30 hybrid racecars from countries such as Canada, India, Russia and Taiwan.
On the first day, entries will endure an all-inclusive inspection at the North Garage Inspection Bay.
According to Formula Hybrid’s official Web site, the open-wheel, single-seat, plug-in racecar, “must conform to a formula which emphasizes drive train innovation and fuel efficiency in a high-performance application.”
Oral reports will be presented at the Jack Ratta Media Center and graded on content, organization, visual aids and general understanding.
Test evaluations will occur on May 5 with acceleration and autocross runs.
On May 6, racers will drive 13.7 miles in an endurance race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and must complete it in an hour or less.
FHSAE’s vehicle approaches completion and will undergo a series of tests prior to its official debut.
Preparations began last summer and commenced physical work this past February.
“The hybrid car is completely handmade. It’s not a conversion of any kind. The design resembles a small Formula One racer and it’s made from scratch,” said Caffrey.
The 2009 rulebook stresses, “vehicles entered into Formula Hybrid competitions must be conceived, designed, fabricated and maintained by the student team members without direct involvement from professional engineers, automotive engineers, racers, machinists or related professionals.”
Caffrey and associate professor Mehrdad Haghi impart their wealth of knowledge without involving themselves in a hands-on capacity.
“There are times when they really pressure us to finish something, but it’s to stay on schedule and finish the vehicle,” said Craig Tsurumoto, vice president of FHSAE.
Inversely, Caffrey applauds the society’s steady determination.
“They’re working extremely hard. This is a major effort and getting this car together is basically a full-time job on top of your schoolwork,” said Caffrey.
Members have felt the daily workload eclipse their social lives.
“The [concept] of relaxing and planning your academic breaks into a recreational getaway are gone. Some members have literally put in blood, sweat and tears into this,” said Edward Otani, a third-year engineering student.
However, his interest in hybrid design outweighs the loss of a few weekends.
“After putting my life on the line for this club and looking back at the experience, it has given me an incredible amount of confidence in myself and an assurance that states ‘yes, I can build a hybrid vehicle too,’” said Otani.
Brian Calvendra, a third-year engineering student, shares similar sentiments.
“Although it has taken away from my free time, the skills gained from the hands-on experience, along with the knowledge from our advisors, is priceless,” said Calvendra.
The vehicular production allows for more than a perpetual stream of work as it establishes group solidarity and instills a heightened sense of satisfaction.
“While this is a very demanding project, you get to bond with new people and drive a car you designed and built,” said James Ayoub, secretary for FHSAE.
Reach Justin Park at news@thepolypost.com
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