Racers place as fastest in the world

Cardinal Formula Racing records fastest acceleration times in the world, finish 14th

June 23, 2008 —

by Adam Baudoux

The Cardinal Formula Racing tests their car at SVSU before heading to the Michigan International Speedway for the 2008 FSAE Collegiate Design Series, where they recorded the fastest acceleration time in the world.

SVSU's Cardinal Formula Racing team has earned a top place among the world's engineering elite.

The team recorded the fastest acceleration times in the world at the 2008 Formula Society of Automotive Engineers Collegiate Design Series, which took place May 14 through 18 at Michigan International Speedway.

Drivers Don Schlaud of Hemlock and Andy Smith of Sebewaing took the SVSU team's Indy-style race car twice over a distance of 75 meters with times of 4.02 seconds in both runs.

"Our students were great; they continue to amaze me," 10-year faculty advisor Brooks Byam, SVSU associate professor of mechanical engineering told SVSU after the team's finish.

Byam also talked about how difficult the competition is for the teams involved.

"This is my tenth run doing this," Byam said. "And 99.99 percent isn't good enough."

Not only did the team gain the honor of finishing first in one of the dynamic events, they also received a $750 cash prize for their effort.

Overall, the team placed 14th in the world. Last year, the team was on pace for a top 10 finish - impressive for a competition that draws over 120 competitors from across the globe - before their car failed to start at driver change in the endurance trial, and in 2006, a clutch failure in the same trial resulted in another early exit.

"With this year's car it was about attention to detail," team captain Mike Wychiehowski said. "How can we make this part better? That's what separates this car from the last."

The team did record top 10 finishes in 2002 when they finished sixth, and in 2005 when they finished eighth.

Wyciehowski also said the team's facility in the recently renovated Pioneer building on campus was a major help.

"This shop has really helped," Wyciehowski said. "The facilities are world class."

The team has participated in the competition for over ten years, and have become known as one of the top teams in the competition. Their car is assembled from scratch each year by the members of the racing team.

The FSAE competition features four dynamic events, including autocross, skid pad, endurance and acceleration. This marked the first time the SVSU team has finished first in any of these areas.