Oakland University’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers, also known as Grizzlies Racing, is currently working on the GRX 2, a car that tops previous year’s projects in terms of technology and capabilities.

The team is also preparing for a yearly tournament that occurs in May at Michigan International Speedway.

“This year currently has the most potential,” Evan Fischer, president of OU’s SAE chapter, said. This (year) seems like a pretty special year.”

Over the past three years, OU’s racing team has grown from eight people to 40.

As the team grows, so does the amount of sponsors that supports them. Currently, there are 29 sponsors, which include students and Alumni Association.

In terms of producing the car, the team plans to evolve last year’s car in order to move forward.

The changes in design for the 2012 car include a frame made of tube steel, redesigned petals, a new exhaust and an aerodynamic under tray that will reduce lift by 10 lbs.

“We are developing a wireless link to (the) car’s computers.” John Smerczak, senior and lead electrical engineer at OU, said. “This will allow us to data log and live stream information from the car while we are testing and racing. This is a huge step forward for our team and car.”

The team spends, on average, 80 hours a week building the car.

“We have more power per pound than a Porsche 911 or Chevy Corvette and a wheelbase as short as a golf cart, “Smerczek said. “There will be five microcontrollers on the 2012 car that will work faster and smarter than the driver.”

The date to finish the car is set for April 1, but it is possible that the team will work on the car until later that month.

After the car is completed, the team uses a month’s time to test their creation.

In order to test the car, the team elects a driver through a series of tryouts. The driver operates the car during competitions.

The car will be judged on its design, fabrication and safety. Another factor that comes into the judging process is how easily  the car can be mass produced. The highest possible score that a design can receive is 1000 points.

Last year, Grizzlies Racing was awarded 11th place overall in the FSAE West California Tournament.

For more information, check out their website at grizzliesracing.com

Contact staff intern Sarah Blanchette via email at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @S_Blanche.