JCU engineers show off first-generation race car

JCU engineers show off first-generation race car

James Cook University mechanical engineering students will display their talents this weekend with a car that has been completely designed, built and raced by students.

The JCU Motorsports group has been donated a stall at the Townsville 400 V8 Supercar event to showcase their Formula One style, open-wheeled race car, which will eventually compete in an international competition against other universities.

Open-wheeled cars are single-seated, with wheels outside the main body of the vehicle.

Chris Dykstra, team manager of JCU’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) team, said the car was designed by JCU engineering students in their spare time and as part of the third-year subject in mechanical design.

Mr Dykstra said the design was primarily completed during the last three years, under the supervision of JCU’s Dr David Holmes.

“We hope to attract sponsorship at the event to get us to competition in 2014,” he said.

“The car forms a large part of the education for mechanical engineers at JCU.”

Mr Dykstra said the team was aiming for national competition at the end of 2014 in the Melbourne-based Formula SAE-Australasia competition.

He said most members were mechanical engineers but the team also included electrical engineers and some business students.

“All disciplines, years and courses are welcome to join the team and we certainly encourage anyone who is interested to contact us.”

Issued: July 4, 2013

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586