It is the roughness of the terrain that impresses itself on the first time visitor. The machines must be built to withstand the roughest terrain involving water hazards, mud pits (complete with large holes and ruts, below) and the pride of the Baja Competition: the racecourse for the open competition phase. In the open competition Sam explained to us how the best competitors are grouped together for the first Start Line with less developed projects starting further back at a slightly later point. Once the race commences there is open competition between all of the competitors in their own vehicles against each other.
The first main day after enrolment was composed of technical inspections and brake tests. The testing was overseen by Jason Rounds, Honda Engineer from the Exterior Performance Group, Vehicle Research. SAE-UK.org interviewed Jason and the video footage can be seen at www.VehicleTechnology.org/baja. It is without doubt the contribution of Honda in the form of skilled personnel and funds that makes Baja East such a sizable and meaningful competition for the student teams. ‘Tech’ inspections are conducted on the Baja vehicle in separate phases; a Brigg’s & Stratton Representative inspects the engine for non-permitted modifications and the safe running of their Standard 10 Bhp engine.
The main testing involves a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s body and systems. Primarily this is conducted by candidates from other teams who have completed previous year’s events. The Honda Engineers train the alumni to conduct the tests and confirm their findings on a log sheet which is then submitted in return for an approved sticker. Even the helmets are inspected and if passed they are labelled as passed using a sticker that would tear if removed so that transfer to non-approved safety equipment is ruled out. The other tests include brake testing and ensuring the operation of two kill switches for the engine. Brake testing consists of a 200 foot long approach after which point the brakes are employed. All of the wheels must be seen to lock-up before the arrest of the vehicle in order for the test to be passed. In any case, the car must be walked back to the paddock for safety reasons.
We had a discussion with Tamara Jenkins from Honda Human Resources. In her words, the Managers at Honda ‘love to recruit Baja Students’ for two reasons; firstly their technical competences arising from Baja and secondly their familiarity with vehicle designing along with the team working aspect make their Baja experience a commodity on the job market. The involvement of Honda with Baja East goes back 15 years and their direct support takes many forms from providing meals for the entire Baja Campus to providing materials and Professional Engineers to support their vehicle construction.
On the ground, the event is Co-ordinated by another Baja Alumni individual. In this year’s case it was Eric Schwartz, E-One Engineer who took charge (E-One build fire engines and special service vehicles for NASA).Eric is pictured left with Sam Barill (right), SAE-International Manager of Collegiate Programs and SAE-UK.org President Dave Smith(centre on the middle image).
In practical terms, the first day of Baja after enrolment consists of vehicle tests whilst static and during locomotion. In the wider |
