The morning of the race.   After a long journey to the EATON test track in Marshall Michigan, team members unload equipment and prepair for the race.

    Not forgetting to give credit to our driver Pamela Pyzocha, she is at the far right.   A huge thanks to Pam for her driving that brought us so close to the top.   Pam will also be the driving in this year's competition.

    Every vehicle must go through a series of safety inspections and must pass a maneuverability test before it can race.   Vehicles are checked for braking distance, steering through a slalom course, and sideways stability on a sloped surface.

    Basic requirements include a proper fire extinguisher, a firewall separating the engine compartment from the cockpit, and no fewer than three wheels in contact with the ground at all times.

    OK, We all know nothing is perfect . . . something will always go wrong.   A slight problem with the rear hub device gets a solution thanks to Dave, Frank, Ryan and Max.  

    This is where some true engineering skills are developed.   "We have this problem, and these tools and materials . . . Find a solution."   Now that's the type of exercise you won't find in the classroom!

    Driver - Crew communication is very important.   It allows the driver to let the crew know of any changes in vehicle functionality.   Frank and Ryan assure that Pam is set and ready to roll!

    Unfourtunatey, due to the close proximity of all the vehicle electronics and ignition noise, the radio was only good for about 100 feet.

    During the race, each vehicle is given a prescribed volume of fuel to use for what's called a "Performance Run".   The performance run consists of a single lap (1.5 miles) around the track.   Each vehicle gets the opportunity to complete a total of six performance runs with necessary vehicle adjustments between runs.

    Shown in this photo is the transfer of the fuel tank to the competition personell for performance calculations.   Since the fuel tank has to be removed from the vehicle, it is essential that not even a drop of fuel be lost

    Alright, here it is . . . well, most of it.   This is the big board showing the MPG's of all entries in the competition.   the "DNF" stands for "did not finish", this is usually happens when the engine fails to start or when their is a mechanical failure of some sort.

    There we are . . . #4, two more runs left.   It was one of these two that got us second place overall.   Number 14, ended up being the champions for this past year, making this their fourth first place standing.   This year UMass intends to break that, and bring the title of first place back to the States.