Driven figuratively and literally, the Zips Formula race team is taking cues from its success last year, when it ranked eighth in the world out of more than 500 universities.
“This year’s car is an evolution of the ZR13,” says team captain Ryan Kruse. “We found a few areas where we could make changes to further improve the car’s performance.”
The team tweaked the car’s aerodynamics and trimmed off 15 pounds. They also modified the engine to increase its power and efficiency based on computer simulations they conducted to test engine airflow, friction and fuel injection.
And all that testing paid off: the team finished first in engineering design, first in fuel efficiency and fourth overall at Formula Student Czech Republic 2014.
In an earlier competition this year, the Formula SAE® Michigan last May, the Zips finished fifth overall against more than 100 other teams.
Under the guidance of academic advisor Dr. Richard Gross, mechanical engineering professor emeritus, Zips racing teams have competed in design competitions since 1990.