Longhorn Racing stands as a remarkable entity, housing a vibrant community of over 300 students with an insatiable passion for automobiles and racing. These students embark on an exciting academic-year-long endeavor, designing and manufacturing their very own cars. The group is divided into three major teams - solar, combustion, and electric - each having the opportunity to shine at various events throughout the year. Experience the Thrill of Student-Driven Automotive Innovation
Designing and Manufacturing: A Year-Long Endeavor
Longhorn Racing's student members pour their hearts and souls into the design and manufacturing process. Over the course of an academic year, they transform their ideas into tangible, high-performance vehicles. This meticulous work showcases their dedication and creativity, as they strive to push the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive world.The three major teams - solar, combustion, and electric - bring unique perspectives and expertise to the table. The solar team focuses on harnessing the power of the sun to propel their cars, while the combustion team explores the traditional internal combustion engine. The electric team, on the other hand, is at the forefront of sustainable transportation, developing cutting-edge electric vehicles.Austin Auto Festival: A Showcase of Student Talent
The Austin Auto Festival (AAF) served as a grand stage for Longhorn Racing to display their automotive prowess. Held at Q2 Stadium over two days, the festival brought together dozens of automotive groups and corporations. Longhorn Racing's electric vehicle, named Angelique after a Kenny Loggins song, stole the show. Weighing around 370 pounds and capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in about three seconds with 107 horsepower, it was a testament to the team's engineering skills.Angelique was not just a vehicle; it was a symbol of the hard work and innovation of the Longhorn Racing electric team. Ivy Beltran, a member of the team, shared their excitement about showcasing the electric vehicle they designed last fall and manufactured in the spring. "We have a little area designated to us, provided by the Austin Auto Festival, where people can come up to our booth and talk about the car," Beltran said. "We’re able to talk about Longhorn Racing, the history, what we plan to do in our future … we are able to do more outreach."Teamwork and Problem Solving: On and Off the Track
Dylan Dubinsky, a government senior and a driver for the electric team, emphasized the importance of teamwork and problem-solving in Longhorn Racing. "We didn’t actually get the car to drive under its own power until we were at the competition itself," Dubinsky said. "So the first lap that I drove at the competition … was the first lap I’d ever been in the car. That was somewhat of a stressful but also cool experience."Working together as a team, the members of Longhorn Racing faced numerous challenges and overcame them with determination. Whether it was fine-tuning the vehicle's performance or dealing with unexpected issues during competitions, their ability to collaborate and find solutions was crucial.Beltran, a radio-television-film sophomore, also found that her major contributed in valuable ways to the organization. "I have a lot of experience with camera equipment and software," Beltran said. "My major has really been able to contribute to the team through our YouTube videos or Instagram content. I’ve been able to help the electric team better edit their content, teaching them about things like shot lists and scripts."Securing Funding: The Backbone of Student Automotive Projects
Pranav Yedavelli, a math and economics junior and corporate relations officer, plays a vital role in securing funding for the organization's vehicles and equipment. With each vehicle costing between $60,000 and $70,000 to build, attending events like the Austin Auto Festival is not only about showcasing their work but also about building relationships and attracting potential sponsors."There’s definitely a lot of work to be done, and it can be stressful at times, but I also think it’s a lot of fun, and it provides a lot of unique opportunities," Yedavelli said. His efforts in securing funding ensure that Longhorn Racing can continue to pursue their automotive dreams and make a significant impact in the world of racing.In conclusion, Longhorn Racing is a testament to the power of student-driven innovation and teamwork. Through their design and manufacturing efforts, participation in events like the Austin Auto Festival, and the contributions of each team member, they are shaping the future of automotive racing. Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
