Design Progess: 65%
Build Progress: 0%
Because the Baja the 2009 competition in Oregon the to implement significant design changes for season. The team has been diligently modifying and improving the designs of the 2009 season while ensuring they do not lose any of the beneficial aspects of the previous systems.

The major goal of the baja frame section is to reduce weight in the 2010 frame. The front of the frame has been restructured to better incorporate mounting of the suspension, braking & throttle and steering systems. Concepts for the rear portion of the frame have been devised, however, delay on some of the critical powertrain components have slowed completion of the design. Design of the fabrication jig has been completed for the portion of the frame forward of the roll hoop.

The 2010 Baja drivetrain will be undergoing the most drastic design changes. The primary design efforts are to reduce the overall size and increasing the serviceability of the system. The implementation of a gearbox is the most significant change to the system; the 2010 Baja vehicle will feature a
reverse gear. Unfortunately, late orders have plagued this section and the CAD design is not as advanced as anticipated, however, detailed conceptual designs have been drawn up and are ready for implementation when the required parts arrive.

The braking & throttle section have improved vastly over the past few seasons and the 2010 season is following the trend of continuous improvement. Based on the restructured nose of the 2010 frame, components are being mounted above the driver’s feet, which will greatly
increase the room in the cockpit. Furthermore, friction is being reduced in the system through the use of bearings and sintered bronze bushings to ensure the system does not undergo unnecessary stress.

Strain gage testing early in the year has given the suspension section an insight into the loads encountered by the vehicle when in operation. Consequently, material weight has been reduced and is fully quantifiable and justifiable. Front suspension geometry has been determined and rear suspension geometry will be finalized upon completion of the powertrain design. Furthermore, the conceptual design of the rear suspension requires a custom designed rear upright; a first for the Baja team.

The steering has been redesigned for 2010 to increase the bracing on the steering column and reduce the weight in all of the previous mounts by reducing material thickness.

The creation of the Baja Safety section for the 2010 year has led to consistent monitoring of all of the safety requirements of the Baja competition. The team also is encountering new requirements including more stringent seatbelt mounting standards and the implementation of reverse. As well the team plans to design a vacuum molded fuel spill guard to reduce the weight of the component and the possibility of leakage.

Strain gauging was the primary contribution of the electrical section early in the year. This section was instrumental in gaining valuable data for the Baja vehicle. Now the focus has shifted to drawing all of the circuitry diagrams for all of the new components being installed on the vehicle. Another addition to the vehicle is the implementation of a display unit which will allow the driver to see the speed, rpm, lap time and engine temperature.