2009 RIT Baja SAE Team Returns from Race Brazil as only U.S. Entry

Coming off an impressive first international competition in Brazil, the Rochester Institute of Technology Baja SAE racing team officially unveils its car during a campus ceremony at 2 p.m. April 4 in the lobby of the Louise Slaughter Building.

The RIT Baja SAE team traveled to Brazil on March 14 to open their 2009 racing season. They were the only U.S. representative competing in the event. Members of the Baja team will be on hand to discuss the Brazil competition as well as the car design structural improvements.

The students on the team are all fourth- and fifth-year mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology students. Each year the team either rebuilds and improves the current car or builds a new car from scratch. The race season consists of three regional competitions with one international challenge. The RIT team selected Brazil from one of four main sites (including Korea, South Africa and India) to open their season. “By far, Brazil is the most competitive,” says Chris Crowley, RIT Baja team manager. The RIT team was one of 70 teams in the competition.

Three more races scheduled for the team this year include Alabama, April 16-19; Oregon, May 7-10 and Wisconsin June 11-14. Sponsors for the RIT Baja team include Toyota, Honda, Klein Steel, and Penske. The full list of sponsors can be found on the RIT Baja team website.

Photo available by contacting macuns@rit.edu