Fall 2011 Recap

Stout Backwoods Baja 2011

   On October 17th, 2011 the UW-Milwaukee Baja team travelled to Arkansaw, WI to race in the Backwoods Baja hosted by UW-Stout. The competition featured 23 vehicles from around the region going head to head in a 4-hour endurance race.

   In the past UW-Milwaukee has done well at this event. In 2009 and 2010 Chassis 42 took first place with no mechanical failures. 2011's race presented obstacles to overcome. The track had more technical features as well jumps. During the race Chassis 42 flipped on one of the larger jumps and only had to leave the track a total of 3 minutes for driver changes and to refuel. 4-hours and 150 laps later Chassis 42 secured the 3-peat, victorious for the third year in a row at Backwoods Baja.

Milwaukee Section Student Night

    Each year in the fall SAE teams from the Milwaukee Section meet to display vehicles, discuss design topics and give presentations about the schools SAE program. This year the meeting was held at the new Engineering Hall on the campus of Marquette in downtown Milwaukee.

   The Milwaukee Section views and critiques all the team's presentations. With the best season to date last year and a positive outlook to the future UWM took first place in the presentation and was awarded the top prize, beating out MSOE, UW-Madison, Michigan Tech and Marquette.

Chassis 43

   After months of design work, Chassis 43 fabrication is underway. The main design intent is to be lightweight. It is estimated to be 30% lighter then its predecessor, Chassis 42. It features 4130 Chromoly frame tubing, front and rear A-arms and a custom 2-speed gearbox. It is scheduled to be unveiled in April 2012 and compete in the international competition in Burlington, WI in early June.

New Shop Facilities

    Over the past year President Ethan Gaynor has been working with the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Administration to seek out new facilities for the SAE team. With an expanding member base, growing projects and vehicle development, more adequete shop space is needed. Expansion is not the only driving force for a new shop. Safety is the biggest concern for both the university and the team. A larger more suited space has been located on campus and is currently in the process of being remodeled to fit the needs of the team. The proposed location is within the recently acquired Columbia St. Mary's Hospital space on campus. The process has been long and full of meetings and proposals week after week.

Muskego Parade

   Over Labor Day weekend Chassis 42 and members of the team took part in the Muskego Parade in Muskego, WI. This was an oppritunity for the team to display the car to the community as well as hand out candy to all the parade goers.

Updated Sponsors

   Industry sponsors are critical to the progression of the vehicles and team. Listed are sponsors that have contributed in the Fall of 2011: BCA Industries, Modine, PKD, O'Neal, Wisconsin Precision Casting, Superior Die Corporation, Amera Gear Company, Maxxis and PTC. To view the complete list of sponsors and supporters, visit the Sponsor Page.