These students of Aligarh Muslim Univ built a racing car which made its debut at a UK racing event

Passion exceeds everything and this was proved right by the students of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) who overcame all odds and designed a racing car, which was even chosen for a premier racing event in the UK.

The group of engineering students- also known as the SAE-ZHCET Collegiate Club- faced a lot of financial constraints as no one was ready to fund them. But, nothing deterred them to realize their dreams and despite lack of modern tools and technologies, they designed a racing car, which was built at a minimal amount. The group did not disclose the exact amount.

Specifications

The racing car is one of a kind. It has a maximum speed of 120 Kmph and runs on a Honda Cbr 250 cc engine that has been improved and totally customized using Bazzaz Engine Management System for better traction.

The car is clutchless, which helps in improving lap timings. The cooling system, or the radiator, and exhaust system of the car has been completely designed and engineered by the team itself.

The team also designed its own plenum for fuel combustion. The body of the car is made of carbon fibre, includes a tubular space-frame chassis, and has been made aerodynamic so as to reduce the drag forces on the vehicle.

Fund crunch

Areeb Mahmood, secretary of the club, said getting funds was the real issue. “Investors are skeptical before investing as the idea is not that viral in India yet. We are new and couldn’t get many sponsors. AMU did as much it could, like providing technical support as well as financial. But a racing car needs more than that.”

Mahmood told the team faced many challenges during the international racing event in UK but the team came up with innovative ideas to get the problems solved.

“We were facing financial issues when we decided to participate in the international event. After we were done with the car, we didn’t have much money left and we still had to take our car. So we traveled on our own money so as to cut down the expenses. We also dismantled the car and sent it to UK in pieces so as to save some money. Then we had to reassemble it there,” said Mahmood.

After a lot of struggle, the group was backed by Paytm, including AMU Alumni Associations of Jeddah, Qatar, Riyadh, Aaane, ZHCET Alumni Association. The group also attributes its success to Professor (Retd) Ziauddin, who played a crucial role in helping the team during the UK event.

“We still have scope for improvement in the car but we can’t afford that right now. Getting good sponsorships in a small city has always been difficult but we are trying hard to get big names associated with us,” said Faizan Anwar, Vice-Chairman of the club.

Efficycle

Apart from the racing car, the group has also built an efficycle, a hybrid vehicle that operates on paddle as well as electric power.

The efficycle model was ranked seventh in the All India event in Jalandhar and also won second prize in acceleration section of the efficycle event.

Accolades

For its racing car, the team was ranked 55th in its first completion at Supra 2014 and in 2015, they ranked 19th in Formula Student India.

In 2016, they were selected for an international event in UK. They also stood first in the National Cost Event and 31st worldwide.

They have also won the award of most popular car award by JK tyres.

The team is looking forward to participating in an event -Formula Bharat in Kari Motorway, Coimbatore, soon.