Building an electric Formula car wasn't a simple proposition, but longtime Formula SAE team member and founder of the Formula electric team, Roland Dibra, was determined to see the project through. "It wasn't easy to get this project going—from designing the vehicle, to hunting down parts and distributors, to obtaining major sponsors and coordinating other logistics."
In preparing for the competition, his focus turned to recruiting and training additional team members along with fellow powertrain captain Joe Confer. "In working with a new team, we had to slow down slightly so they could all be involved and have a personal interest in the team's mission and its success," he said.
Dibra praised the students who worked on the vehicle and traveled to the event.
"Most of them were new to the process of building a car and competing with it. I applaud their dedication to stick around with this first vehicle," he said. "I also want to acknowledge CECS alumni members who were part of the UM-Dearborn team for many years and the college's faculty and staff. We couldn't have gotten this far without them. Our current technical team leaders, David Tokarz, Dejvis Seitllari, and Scott Sprau are committed to continuing a successful program."
UM-Dearborn's car was designed with a modular aluminum sub-frame, allowing for continuous powertrain improvements during future research and development phases. Overall, the team finished in fifth position out of the 20 registered teams.
"Being there was a great experience for our team. Obviously fifth is a few positions away from first, but we are proud to add a top five to our history," Dibra said. "And with the new, motivated and highly engaged talent, I have a feeling that it will only get better."
