Our BAJA design is now finalized.  Polaris Outlaw spindles and hubs will be used.  Power will pass through a CVT and then a chain reduction before going to the rear wheels.  Next week Brett and Luke will be going over the frame measurements to make sure they will pass the SAE Mini-Baja rules.  Our goal is to have the frame sent to Dumur Industries next week.

A budget and expense timeline has been put together.  If you are interested in learning more about the Cougar Racing team or you are interested in sponsoring our project please email Cougar-Racing@74ss.com

At tonights meeting we were able to go over the first frame proposal as a group. We looked into a few things like the angle of the front nose and how the rear frame would be built. Below is an updated picture of the frame.

After going through parts from previous BAJA projects we were able to find spindles in good shape for the front end of the car.  New parts should be available for the Suzuki spindles and if they are we will be reusing them.  Components for the rear drivetrain are there as well but we have to check into their condition.

We have started putting together a business proposal for the project and we are looking into revising our current sponsorship template.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 in the shop.

Special thanks goes out to Rob from the Faculty of Engineering for putting on a Solid Edge clinic for us. He shared his expertise as well as some critical frame development guides.

We have come up with an accurate model of the new BAJA engine to aid with frame design.

Baja Engine Model

We have also started throwing around idea’s for a frame. Here’s our first proposed frame:

Front/Side View

Side View

The steering column has now been replaced in the old Baja vehicle and the transmission has been removed.  The secondary clutch on the transmission did not math the primary clutch on the 10hp motor so it needs to be swapped out.  It’s given us a chance to see the entire transmission and get a better idea for the upcoming project.

We assembled a new toy at the shop today.  The drill press is a full-size, 1 hp Craftsman.

more pictures coming on saturday

Several months ago we picked up the previous Baja competition vehicle to use as an example to build off of. The frame of the old baja is made out of aluminum and can nolonger compete in official events. The vehicle had a blown motor and this replacement 10hp motor will move us one step closer to testing out the old vehicle design.

This motor will serve as a spare motor when the new project goes to competition.

Today we had a successful welding clinic in the SAE garage. The event was put on with the help of Praxair and Lincoln Electric. They brought with them a new MIG and TIG welders that participants were able to see in action. Students, faculty and cougar racing team members attended the event.

For the past few months we have been spending the majority of our shop time organizing and cleaning up.  The shop hasn’t been very active in the past few years and everything needed to be sorted out.  A tool chest and complete tool set will help keep available time productive as we spend more time working and less time searching for tools.

On Wednesday Feb 25 we had a meeting with Praxair and were able to finalize the details for our upcoming welding clinic.  The clinic will be open to the public and it will cover safety, mig welding and oxy-acetaline cutting.  Any extra time will leave the opportunity to cover more welding types.

Cougar Racing is currently being completely re-organized.  We have decided to build a Baja competition vehicle before moving back to the Formula Competition.