UOIT engineering students drive home impressive results

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT's) motorsports clubs had all cylinders firing at the recent Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Central Ontario Section Students' Night 2009. The clubs, comprised of Engineering students, took home two awards for its innovative automotive designs and constructions.

In addition to hosting the elite event, which welcomed four other universities, the 13-person Durmach UOIT Motorsports team placed second in the Formula SAE category for its overall design evolution over the past three years and the new design solutions being implemented in its newest car, the F2010. The team narrowly missed the first-place prize, finishing just one point behind the University of Toronto. As part of the award, the team received a $1,000 cash prize to be used towards continued work on the car.

The UOIT Mini Baja team also earned an award, finishing third in the Mini Baja category for its design and construction of an off-road Baja vehicle. The team received $500 to be used for improvements and new design techniques.

Joining UOIT and the University of Toronto were participants from Ryerson University in Toronto, McMaster University in Hamilton and the University of Waterloo.

"On behalf of our talented team, I am thrilled with our achievements at this year's student night," said Sam Ashtiani, treasurer and business manager of the Durmach UOIT Motorsports team. "Through our innovative designs and excellent engineering skills gained at UOIT, we continue to make an impression at each event we compete in. Our team wishes to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support and looks forward to the completion of the F2010 for even greater successes in next year's competitions."

The annual event, hosted by UOIT for the first time, gives members from across the Central Ontario Section an opportunity to interact with fellow automotive and mobility engineering students. Student teams delivered informal technical presentations about their SAE competition vehicles to a panel of industry professionals. The Central Ontario Section is the largest in Canada and second-largest in the world behind the Detroit Section in Michigan.

In addition to hosting the Central Ontario Section Students' Night, UOIT also hosted the section's Advanced Vehicle Symposium on May 9. The event showcased the latest and most advanced environmentally friendly motor vehicles, including a GMC Sierra Two-Mode Hybrid pickup truck, Dodge Circuit and Toyota Prius. Guest speakers from General Motors, Toyota and Chrysler also provided presentations illustrating the fundamental operation, technical details and challenges of these next-generation vehicles.

SAE International has more than 121,000 members from more than 97 countries, including engineers, business executives, educators and students, who share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems. SAE is a major resource of engineering standards development, events, and technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or in space.

Initiated in 2006, the Durmach UOIT Motorsports team's mission is to design, fabricate and race a scaled Formula One-style car in a Formula SAE event. The club's inaugural entry into the international event - the F2007 - won the Mitchell Rookie of the Year award.

UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science offers excellence in education, high-calibre and value-added research, and high-quality and innovative market-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, including Canada's only Automotive Engineering degree and five-year Engineering and Management variations.

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