Throughout the last four months, the Baja team has worked tirelessly to complete their vehicle. The cost report and design report for the vehicle were completed and have been submitted to SAE for grading. Additionally, the sales presentation is nearing completion and design posters are under construction.

Several new manufacturing techniques were implemented in fabricating some components. Vacuum forming was used to create plastic components that were previously fabricated from sheet metal. Johnston Industrial Plastics donated acrylic, polypropylene and polycarbonate sheets to the Baja team to fabricate a water proof battery holder and a gas tank shrouding. This process decreased the weight of the components and greatly increased their manufacturability.

A new composite layup configuration was also used to create the body components on the vehicle. Previously, all of the body components were created from carbon fiber, however, to increase the puncture resistance and flexibility of the panels, a carbon fiber and Kevlar layup was used. The 2010 body panels are the lightest ever made by the U of M Baja team.

This week, the final touches will be added to the vehicle before it is fully stripped and the frame and a-arms sent for powder coating. Furthermore, aluminum and steel components will be sent for anodizing and zinc plating, respectively. On April 24^th the vehicle will be reassembled, as well, testing and pre-competition preparation will commence. The Baja team will be leaving on May 17^th for Bellingham, Washington, for the competition.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the team this year and we will do our best to achieve another record finish.