Motorsports Team Reveals 2007 Formula Vehicle
The Jayhawk Motorsports 2007 team ended the manufacturing phase of its vehicle project in style with an inaugural unveiling reminiscent of a multimedia Detroit auto show. The "Unveiling 2007," on April 12th at Abe and Jake's Landing in downtown Lawrence, was a chance for KU's Formula SAE team members to take a step back to enjoy their accomplishments and celebrate their completed vehicle.
In addition to revealing their completed vehicle to hundreds of friends, family, alumni and corporate sponsors, the team members also prepared an awards ceremony. Hosted by JMS07 Team Captain Tanner Rinke and Associate Dean and JMS faculty adviser Robert Sorem, the ceremony also was the first of its kind. Every award handed out was a way of acknowledging the tremendous investment of hard work each team member put in throughout the year. Many of the awards were humorous in nature including the "Annual Student Body President" award — one of this year's team members recently finished his term as KU's student body president — and the "Helpy McHelperson" award. The more serious awards were JMS07 team choice awards that were voted on by members of the team.
The unveiling event even motivated team members to meet additional deadlines for part completion. Although the vehicle had been up and running since the start of April, a third carbon fiber chassis had been built for the final product. The team was left scrambling to have the chassis painted and the car reassembled in time for the event. Through sleepless nights in the week leading up to the event, team members were turning wrenches and pulling loose ends together on the car until it rolled out the door for Abe and Jake's.
"Unveiling 2007" gave the team a much needed breath of fresh air and gave them a chance to share the product of their hard work with all those close to the team. Several businesses helped support the team on this special night including Abe and Jake's Landing, Red Bull and Smokin' Joe's BBQ, which helped arrange the venue, beverages, and meal.
The night of celebration for the JMS07 team was a much need break before students head into finals and take care of final preparations for upcoming Society of Automotive Engineers Formula SAE Series events. The team will attend the Formula SAE Car Challenge May 16 to 20 at Ford Proving Grounds, Romeo, Mich.
Learn more about Formula SAE Series Events.