MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The University of Texas at El Paso's Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) team recently returned from an eventful journey to Oregon, where they participated in the highly anticipated Baja SAE Oregon competition held in Washougal, Washington from May 31 to June 3, 2023. While the team faced a setback during the final inspection for the all-terrain test, their perseverance and dedication throughout the competition showcased their resilience. This year, the team consisted of 11 talented mechanical engineering students who showcased their skills and determination throughout the event.
Julián Peña, Julio García, Joel Cepeda, Brianna Betancourt, Edith Shear, Julián Ronquillo, Alejandro Mena, Penélope López, David Chávez, Alan Rascón, and Víctor Calderón formed the UTEP SAE team, representing the College of Engineering with enthusiasm and passion for automotive engineering.
Backed by industry and academia, this competition aims to provide engineering students with real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and the workforce. Students collaborate as a team to overcome technical challenges in vehicle design, testing, and manufacturing, simulating the realities of professional engineering environments.
The UTEP SAE team, known for their solid commitment to automotive engineering, had dedicated significant time and effort to prepare Mad Pete Motorsports, their all-terrain vehicle for the rigorous Baja SAE Oregon competition. Guided by experienced faculty advisors and industry mentors, the team had meticulously designed and manufactured their vehicle to meet the demanding requirements of the event.
"Through the ups and downs of the Baja SAE Oregon competition, the Mad Pete Motorsport team has demonstrated dedication and resilience," said Omar Cedillos Barraza, Ph.D., Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor of Practice and faculty mentor for the UTEP SAE Mad Pete team. "Their participation in this competition speaks volumes about the quality of engineering education at UTEP and the College of Engineering's commitment to preparing students for the demands of the industry. I am immensely proud of their achievements and the valuable skills they have acquired. The Mad Pete Motorsport team exemplifies the spirit of innovation and teamwork, and I have no doubt that they will continue to excel in their future competitions.”
Although the Mad Pete Motorsport team encountered an unexpected hurdle during the final inspection for the all-terrain test, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and professionalism throughout the competition. While they were unable to proceed to the testing phase, the team's dedication and teamwork were evident in their overall performance and the progress they made leading up to the final inspection.
Julián Peña, the team captain, expressed his appreciation for the learning experience, stating, "As the team leader for the SAE Baja competition, I'm proud of our team's performance. The competition pushed the boundaries of off-road vehicle design, and our dedicated members overcame obstacles to deliver a robust vehicle. We're grateful to sponsors, advisors, and the university for their support. This experience has equipped us with valuable skills for the future. We're excited to share our journey, inspiring others with the possibilities of teamwork and engineering excellence."
The UTEP SAE team's journey to Baja SAE Oregon not only showcased their engineering skills but also highlighted their ability to handle challenges with professionalism and determination. Their participation in this prestigious competition speaks volumes about the quality of engineering education at UTEP and the College of Engineering commitment to preparing students for the demands of the industry.
For more information about UTEP’s SAE Team, visit: https://minetracker.utep.edu/organization/sae