Despite challenges, Baja competition a success

The Baja Buckeyes traveled to Louisville, Kentucky for the 2021 Baja SAE competition. This is the first student motorsports team to receive permission to travel following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Competition started out well for the team with a great performance in the individual dynamic events. “The car travelled 69ft up the hill during hill climb, maneuvered superbly on the maneuverability course and exceeded the previous vehicle’s acceleration time,” said Baja VP and Suspension Lead, Pantelis Anton. 

The team ran into challenges during the endurance competition with their driveshaft and shocks tabs. “We were able to get back on the track for the last 40mins of endurance competition, but in the last two minutes, a bolt backed out of the gearbox and wedged itself behind the primary of the CVT, a crucial component to our drivetrain,” said Anton.

“Overall, we’re very pleased with the performance of the car,” said Anton. “Getting the car built the day we arrived was very stressful. The team was happy with the performance of the car, felt successful, bonded, learned and had a great time!”