Spirit Racing Systems

Composite vehicles for human and gravity powered race

Sweepstakes is a longstanding Carnegie Mellon tradition, a relay race where the baton is replaced by an aerodynamic composite vehicle with a driver inside. the race has a downhill portion where the “buggies” can reach speeds upwards of 35mph, and a sharp turn before starting an uphill climb to the finish line. as a part of the spirit racing systems i was the head mechanic and chairman overseeing the development and construction of the latest two vehicles of the teams fleet. Click here for a detailed breakdown of the building process.