Baja SAE is a student-run club on campus. The team includes six senior design members and a group of primarily mechanical engineering students who design, build, and test the performance of a real vehicle to compete against other teams from around the globe. Students all across campus, not limited to engineering majors, have the opportunity to join the club.
SAE International, (Society of Automotive Engineers) is a professional association and standardizing organization for professional engineers. The company hosts design competitions for educational institutions each year. Olivet has competed in SAE competitions since 2002. The team is sponsored by the Walker School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and by Walker Manufacturing, which provides funding to buy necessary parts, tools and software.
The competition course requires a vehicle capable of enduring very difficult obstacles, yet the construction of the vehicle consists of a simple frame, engine, transmission, drivetrain and steering mechanism. In these competitions, Olivet’s team may be competing against other universities like MIT and Michigan State.
Recently the team began building another car. Through consistent design, building and testing cycles, the team is preparing for another exciting year of competition in the spring. The goal is to finish the construction of the vehicle by April 12, in time to adjust before the competition at Tennessee Tech University from May 12-15.
To follow the team’s progress, follow the Baja Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/bajaracingonu/
For more information of Walker School of STEM, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
12/2/2021
MC & LB
