Ohio State's President Michael V. Drake visits CAR

The Ohio State University's 15th president, Michael V. Drake, visited the university's Center for Automotive Research (CAR) on Monday, November 24, 2014. Senior leadership, faculty, staff and students greeted him and showcased a number of projects.

During Monday's tour Dr. Drake saw firsthand the innovative research happening at CAR. From internal combustion engines to a semiautonomous vehicle ride at the center's new CAR West annex, CAR demonstrated the breadth of its research in energy, safety and the environment. With a concentration on preparing the next generation of automotive leaders, CAR is recognized for interdisciplinary emphasis on systems engineering, advanced and unique experimental facilities, collaboration on advanced product development projects with industry and a balance of government and privately sponsored research.

Another highlight of Dr. Drake’s visit was interacting with the student leaders behind the university's successful student motorsports/project teams. The Venturi Buckeye Bullet team—which has built all three of the world's fastest electric vehicles—presented the president with a model of their most recent vehicle. Members of the nationally recognized EcoCAR team described their award-winning re-engineered Chevrolet Malibu, while the Buckeye Current team talked about their plans to build an electric motorcycle to compete in the 2015 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb. Meeting the Formula Buckeyes SAE and Baja Buckeyes SAE rounded out the tour.

“We were honored to host President Drake for his first visit to the Center for Automotive Research,” said Giorgio Rizzoni, CAR director. “Moreover we were pleased with his insightful questions about our research and programs.”

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