成人头条鈥檚 Shocker racing team zoomed through competition June 16-19 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The Formula Student Automotive Engineers, FSAE, placed 22 out of 80 teams, improving on last year鈥檚 mark and laying the foundation for a successful future.
鈥淭his is one of the reasons I came to 成人头条 State,鈥 said Nic Wentling, a member of FSAE who is the sponsorship coordinator and director of public relations for the squad. 鈥淚 decided I鈥檇 rather build a program than join one that鈥檚 already established.鈥Formula SAE California is an international competition featuring student automotive engineers from across the world. Teams are judged on different aspects of the car, including cost, presentation and design, and dynamic events such as endurance and acceleration.
鈥淭he trip was fantastic,鈥 said Wentling. 鈥淚t was a great learning experience.鈥
Composed mainly of freshmen and sophomores, the Shocker Racing team is extraordinarily younger than its competition. It got its start in 2007.
The lack of experience almost cost Shocker Racing its best finish to date.
鈥淲e did have a little bit of a dip where we thought we were pretty much done,鈥 said Wentling. 鈥淚t took us 22 times to finally pass braking.鈥
Passing braking allowed Shocker Racing to continue to compete but ultimately lost them a spot in the top 15. As a result of the brake session, Shocker Racing was unable to compete in three dynamic events, costing the team valuable points.
鈥淲e should have finished in the top 15,鈥 said Wentling.
Regardless of the outcome, Shocker Racing has much to look forward to and even more to build on.
鈥淓very year we鈥檝e competed, we鈥檝e done better than the previous years,鈥 said Wentling.
Highlights from the competition include knocking off in-state rivals University of Kansas and Kansas State University, as well as almost three-fourths of the field.
In addition to shocking the competition, Shocker Racing provides students of all majors an opportunity to hone their skills while building their resumes.
鈥淲e鈥檙e pretty much the whole business; we have to do the public relations, marketing and building of the car,鈥 said Wentling. 鈥淲e鈥檙e pretty much open to everybody.鈥
In an effort to increase team members, sponsorships and community awareness, Shocker Racing updates profiles on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Photobucket. Links to these accounts are available at .
An increased media presence is part of Shocker Racing鈥檚 efforts to gain more sponsorships, better facilities and to become a highlight of the College of Engineering.
鈥淲e want students to know that if they come to engineering at 成人头条 State they can work on Shocker Racing,鈥 said Wentling.
Business, art or any other majors are also welcome to help with public relations, design or even the building of the car.
Future goals for Shocker Racing include increased publicity and sponsorships, but it鈥檚 back to business until the next competition.
鈥淲e鈥檙e focused on creating a top 10 car,鈥 said Wentling. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 going to happen.鈥
For more information on Shocker Racing or Formula SAE, visit or contact nwentling5@gmail.com.