UL Lafayette’s Mini-Baja team returned from Tennessee with several awards in tow.
The team placed fourth in the competition last weekend and took fifth in a four-hour endurance test. The design of small ATV from UL Lafayette netted the team ninth place in the competition. Teams from all of the top schools in the country like Michigan, Michigan State and Georgia Tech all participate along with teams from Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Mini-baja competitions like this one are sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers each year.
" The UL Lafayette College of Engineering is extremely proud of our students over this exciting placing. This tremendous success was achieved first, because these mechanical engineering students worked hard and smart to design, construct, and compete with a very solid vehicle using engineering skills passed on to them from a solid faculty and industrial support group. Kudos to all for once again is showing that Ragin’ Cajun Engineering students are indeed an elite group,” said Dr. Mark Zappi, dean of Engineering at UL Lafayette.
The ATV is equipped with a 10 HP Briggs and Stratton engine as its power source and must must undergo a rigorous design review and safety inspection prior to being allowed to race.
The first day of driving consists for small competitions demonstrating maneuverability, speed, and acceleration. The second day of driving consists of a four-hour endurance race over a closed-loop and rough terrain. Many vehicles do not survive the race.
UL Lafayette’s team consists of mechanical engineering students. Cole Melancon is the team captain and driver. Logan Holbrook is the shop foreman and led the construction effort. In recent years, UL Lafayette has gotten the reputation as being a serious competitor.
“We are proud of our students' achievements and we are delighted that they are getting the recognition for the work they have put into this vehicle during the entire year,” said Dr. Terrence Chambers, acting head of the Mechanical Engineering Department. “Our greatest reward as these students' teachers is to see them excel. These students can go out and compete with the best schools and engineering students in a national competition. The city and state should regard these students as being a real asset to the community. They are the ones who will be working to solve the problems that we as a society are facing.”
The team is supported by the donations of local industry, business and members of the community.
“ We are grateful for the support of the community has provided our students in this and other projects. The mini-baja team is almost entirely supported by donations from these civic minded organizations that are willing to invest in our students, especially the Lafayette Auto Dealers Association who has been extraordinarily generous over the years.,” said William Emblom, a former faculty advisor to the team. “The community will benefit from the student's experience by having students that can solve a wide range of problems and work in a team environment.”
There are usually between 10 and 15 students working on a Baja team. This year's team consisted of all seniors except for two students. Some of the team members have been involved with the competition for four years.
Seniors may work on the project for two semesters for credit towards their degree. During that time, the students design and build the vehicle, using the engineering principles that they have been exposed to since beginning the mechanical engineering program.
Former team members have been recruited to work in diverse areas such as the oil, aerospace, and automotive industries. The students have also been recruited to top graduate schools in the country for their master's and doctoral degrees.