The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has held the SAE Mini Baja
collegiate competition, since 1976. The competition challenges Engineering students to
design, manufacture, and race their Mini Baja vehicle, which teaches students how to
work as a team, and apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom to a real-world application.
The Buffalo State Baja team is made up of undergraduate Mechanical
Engineering Technology students who spend their time and skills in order to compete
in this competition. The opportunity we are given, gives us a priceless amount of
experience in our specific field of study.
SAE holds several events, worldwide. Each competition is limited to one hundred
colleges, which will draw hundreds of spectator’s. This year, Buffalo State Motorsports will be
competing in Mechanicsville, Maryland, from April 19th through April 22nd. The vehicle will be tested both Statically
and Dynamically, through a series of events. The Static events include a Design
Evaluation, Cost Report, Prototype Cost, and Sales Presentation. The Dynamic events
will include an Acceleration test, Hill Climb, Land Maneuverability test,
Suspension, and an Endurance race which will last for 4 hours. To make each team
competitive, the competition restricts the engine to a 10 horsepower, 14.5 foot pounds Briggs
and Stratton engine that can not be modified in any way.
