RIT Formula and Mini-Baja Teams Set Spring Testing

Race car teams readying for spring and summer national contests

These tests won’t require a No. 2 pencil, but just as much hard work—and even a few all-nighters—were necessary in preparation.

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Formula and mini-Baja teams will test drive their race cars this Thursday, May 1, in practice for spring and summer competition.

RIT’s Formula team is preparing for its first contest of the year, the annual Formula SAE, May 14-18, in Pontiac, Mich., and international competition in Australia in December. Teams compete in categories including acceleration, cost, design, endurance, fuel economy and solo-performance trials.

Formula car testing is slated for 6:30 to 8 a.m. this Thursday, May 1, in parking lots "G" and "H" on the RIT campus. A design presentation and formal unveiling will be at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in Xerox Auditorium in the James E. Gleason Building.

RIT’s mini-Baja team has already been through the rigors of one spring competition, having raced two cars in the Mini Baja East in Orlando, Fla., earlier this month. Next up are the Mini Baja West, May 8-10, in Provo, Utah, and the Midwest Mini Baja, June 5-8, in Troy, Ohio. Competitions include contests in endurance, acceleration, braking, maneuverability, top speed and traction.

Mini-Baja car testing will be from 11 a.m. to noon this Thursday, May 1, on the mini-Baja test track across from the main entrance to the RIT campus. Formal unveiling is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the lobby of the Louise M. Slaughter Building.

Note: Formula and mini-Baja team members will be available for interviews.