The University of Alberta's Formula SAE have returned from two successful race events this summer. The first was Formula North, in Barrie, Ontario, where they placed 18th out of 24 teams. The second was Formula Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they placed 18th overall again but this time out of 80 teams.
"We wanted to do Formula North first because we'd be in Canada at a smaller competition and we could use it as practice," says Dylan McLernon, spokesperson for the team. "In Barrie we broke some of our own team's records but mostly it was good to troubleshoot the car for Lincoln."
Formula Lincoln was organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and held on a military airbase in Lincoln, Nebraska, with multiple race car categories. The U of A team competed in the combustion category, which entailed an acceleration competition, a skid pad event, autocross and endurance contests, as well as a presentation of their business case, and cost and design presentations. Out of 80 teams from around the world, the team placed 11th in acceleration, 16th in endurance, 21st for their business case and 29th for their design presentation. Competitions are judged by industry professionals from companies like Bosch, Borg-Warner, and Blue Origin.
"We're fortunate to have such a diverse team," says McLernon. "Because we had an actual business student to present our business case."
This success marks a bit of a comeback for the team, says McLernon.
"Since about 2013, the team kind of struggled," he explains. "Just when you're getting good, you lose members to graduation. The continuation of knowledge is always a problem."
McLernon credits this year's success to the group's two project managers, Skylar Dunning and Wayne Phillips.
"They've really brought the team together in a spectacular fashion."
Of course, the project managers work with a fantastic team.
"We have a lot of dedicated people. Everyone worked well together. It was very cohesive," says McLernon.
The team started out cohesive and became closer through the competitions.
"We spent long days and longer nights in the office and working on the car."
Dunning and Phillips managed to keep everyone organized and encouraged and on track.
"They were exactly what we needed - a perfect balance of encouraging and helpful as well as keeping people on track and on task."
This year the team is organized to ensure knowledge continuation happens for next year.
"People who are graduating all had younger people working with them, to make sure our knowledge is passed on," explains McLernon. "We also improved our documentation and record keeping practices."
The team is looking forward to building on this year's success for the 2019/2020 season, when they will design and build a new car from scratch.
"Folks left feeling successful and excited to keep working next year."
The U of A's Formula SAE team is always accepting new members.
"Summer's a good time to join because you can get to know the team before starting to work together in September."
The team will also have a recruiting drive in the fall. Find more information here.