EMU Today

YPSILANTI — The Eastern Michigan University Baja Racing Team, comprised of engineering students from the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, is gearing up to showcase its latest innovation in off-road vehicle design. From May 16 to May 19, the team will demonstrate its skills and engineering prowess against competitors from around the globe during the Baja SAE Williamsport Competition in Montgomery, Pennsylvania.

"The SAE Baja Competition offers our students a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage, competing with other universities from Michigan and across the world,” said Andrew Mansfield, associate professor of mechanical engineering and EMU Baja Club advisor. “We're proud to see our students embrace this challenge with enthusiasm and determination."

According to the SAE Baja website, Baja SAE® consists of competitions that simulate real-world engineering design projects and their related challenges. Engineering students are tasked with designing and building an off-road vehicle to survive the severe punishment of rough terrain. Each team's goal is to design and build a single-seat, all-terrain, sporting vehicle whose structure contains the driver. The vehicle is to be a prototype for a reliable, maintainable, ergonomic, and economical production vehicle that serves a recreational user market.

This year, the EMU Baja Racing team is proud to unveil their updated model vehicle, set to meet the demands of the competition. The team has worked tirelessly to refine their design, incorporating aspects of all the engineering programs within the college and innovative features to maximize performance and durability.

“A lot of hard work has gone into preparing for this competition; they've been designing the car for more than five years, and the new model is a testament to the long hours and hard work they put in, showcasing their dedication and passion for engineering excellence,” said Mansfield. 

Kara Bishop and Timothy Melcher, both recent graduates from the mechanical engineering program, are set to attend the race to compete. Bishop served as chief engineer, and Melcher served as president for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

“I’ve been participating in the club for two years now, and getting to this point is a huge milestone for me,” said Bishop. “ Seeing it through to the end is fulfilling, especially for us as seniors and now being able to race it, but also for EMU because this will be the first year it has ever made the competition. It’s fulfilling for us and the program to have a club that participates.” 

The EMU Baja Racing team comprises 15 members, and three people—Kara Bishop, Tim Melcher, and Daniel DiGiovannantonio—will attend the race to compete. 

About the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology provides world-class experiences in engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, construction management, autonomous vehicles, drone technology, aviation, and other areas of study in high-demand career fields in engineering and technology. It is within the college’s mission to cultivate individuals' intellectual and personal growth through research-informed education and diverse programs that emphasize the practical application of scientific knowledge. For more information about the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, visit the college’s website at gameabove.emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.