Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

The Terp Racing club placed first in the Formula SAE (Society of Automobile Engineers) 2008 West competition on June 28, the first time the university has won a major formula car race in more than 20 years.

The last time the school won a title was in 1987. But this summer, after going against dozens of universities from around the world in a competition that spanned five days, Terp Racing took home the first-place trophy.

"It's a very hard competition," said Avi Bar-Cohen, chair of the mechanical engineering department. "We think of it as epitomizing the education we provide."

The competition took place at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., and consisted of several events. Each team's car was judged based on its acceleration, cornering, maneuverability and endurance, and points were also awarded to cars with the best design, cost and presentation.

The cars, which resemble soap box racers, are adorned with banners and stickers from company sponsors. But what they lack in size, they make up for in performance.

"It's very similar to a real race car, just a little smaller," said Greg Schultz, club advisor and member of the 1987 title team.

To demonstrate their cars' acceleration, teams had to participate in drag races, Schultz explained. The university's team placed first in this category with a time of 3.917 seconds.

They next had to drive their vehicles around a figure-eight track; participate in an autocross event; and lastly in an endurance event, where cars had to drive through a course for 20 laps to test the handling and durability of their vehicles.

According to SAE International's website, although 51 teams started this race, only 25 teams crossed the finish line. Of those finishers, 19 received points for driving faster than the maximum run time. The university's team placed fourth, Schultz said.

The scores from each of those events were added up, and the university's team took first place.

Schultz admitted he was uncertain of Maryland's chances following the 20-year drought.

"I know we would be competitive, but it wasn't clear we would win," he said, ""I thought we would be top five."

But following the win, Schultz said he was delighted for the students of Terp Racing. He said some of the team members dedicated more than 40 hours a week to work on the car.

Schultz added the win will likely bring more visibility to the school and advance the program.

"It's the equivalent of winning a ball game," he said.

chrisyudbk@gmail.com

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