The racing club have become a vital part of the success of the Formula Student project at this university. The club is made up from students from 1st to 3rd year, and it gives them an insight into the project so that they are better prepared for it in their final year. Through their own dedication and enthusiasm, they work throughout the year to revitalise and fix the issues with the previous year’s car. This will enable the current team to practice and master driving a car of a similar style months before our car will be ready. Hopefully, this will enable the team to be more competitive at the event, as the drivers’ skill is just as important as a well-designed car!
The team decided to invite all of our sponsors to an event to showcase the car, as well as to let them know our plans for this year’s car. We feel it is vitally important to repay our sponsors’ dedication by keeping them in the process loop as much as possible. The event started with a meet and greet between the team and the company representatives. A member of our sponsorship team, Michal Szulik, then gave a presentation, where he explained how the event works, and our main aims for the year. He also detailed some of the major changes which will be on our car this year. Notably, this will be the first year a Lancaster team has run a full aerodynamic package on their car.
Afterwards, the staff and students combined in giving the sponsors a tour of the facilities. They were shown round the main laboratories which the team work in, which include the mechanical project lab, the composites lab, and the masters PC suite where all of the design work is completed. The tour was concluded with the main event, the showcase of the car. A figure of eight track, which mimicked one of the dynamic events at Silverstone, was set up on the University campus. The head of the racing club, Erik Turlejski, showed off his skills behind the wheel as he put on an impressive show which fully demonstrated the power of the car, and the finesse needed to control it. This was a fitting finale to a fantastic afternoon, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The next opportunity to see the car will be at the Campus in the City event on Saturday 9th April, where members of the team will bring the car down to Lancaster City Centre, where anyone is welcome to come and ask questions, and if you’re lucky, have a sit in the car! The team will also be attending the event on the final day, Saturday 21st May, where it is hoped that we will be showcasing our own car.