A couple of months ago, we were contacted by an engineering student of Rutgers University in need of shipping a race car they built to California for an upcoming competition. At first glance, I didn't know what the project would entail, so we decided to meet a couple members of the Rutgers team to learn more. The students took the time to show us their work in progress and we were quickly impressed. There was an instant connection as my partner and I, both engineers, welcomed the discussion of compression ratios, g-forces and data acquisition. This car had more sensors than the space shuttle! OK, enough of the nerd talk but you certainly didn't need an engineering degree to appreciate the effort these students put into the design of this car.
The event is being held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. That's where we come in. We decided to sponsor the team and donate the services. The team, working right up to the last minute, dropped the car off at our shop for us to build the custom crates. The crate needed to be built in a way that they can quickly unload the car upon arrival and then reload it when the race was over. Following the completion of the race, we will then organize the pick-up of the crate for the return shipment to Rutgers. Special considerations were factored in such as specific delivery and pick-up times at the venue, special markings on the crate, and securing the car in a way that didn't allow the suspension to bounce the entire trip out there. Overall, this was a fun project to be involved in. We wish the Rutgers Racing Team good luck and success in CA!
Rutgers Formula Racing Team:
www.rfr.rutgers.edu/
About the SAE Formula Competition:
http://students.sae.org/competitions/formulaseries/about.htm
See if your Alma Mater is competing:
http://students.sae.org/competitions/formulaseries/fsae/teamsites/
In order to ensure Casey's safety, he was picked up from the Hall of Fame in a truck with an "air-ride" suspension and returned to our shop for construction of the crate. The large, heavy base was encased with foam for cushioning and to prevent shifting in the crate. We then used foam lined braces throughout the crate to hold Casey in place for his 3,000 mile journey. 
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