26 November 2007

Michelin help ‘DRIVE’ Students to formula student circuit

One of the world’s biggest tyre manufacturers has lent its expertise to a group of Dundee University students aiming to build a Formula-style racing car.

Michelin, who have a major factory in Dundee, has entered into a three year tyre sponsorship deal with the University’s DRIVE team - Dundee University Race Innovation and Vehicle Engineering.

The DRIVE team, based around students in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, has entered the Formula Student competition for the first time. It will see them design, build and run a Formula-style car.

The car will run on tyres manufactured by Michelin, who have extensive experience of providing tyres used at the very top levels of motor racing.

"The fact that Michelin is now supporting us is absolutely fantastic news for the team," said Gareth Davies, the DRIVE team leader. "As anyone who watches motorsport knows, tyres play an extremely important role in the performance of the car, so to have a company like Michelin, with all its experience and expertise behind us, is a huge boost to our efforts."

"Michelin Dundee is delighted to be supporting Dundee University’s Formula student competition entry. Not only does it encourage the development of new engineers, but the hands on /gloves off approach is a great project for any engineering student. We wish the DRIVE team every success with this exciting project." said Ian Peart Personnel Manager at Michelin.

The DRIVE team is aiming for success in this year’s Formula Student competition organised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. The competition encourages students to develop and demonstrate their skills, enthusiasm, ingenuity and commitment to engineering excellence by designing, building and running a Formula-style racing car.

The competition also provides industry with the opportunity to foster close links with academia and helps students develop the attributes they need for future success.

The competition culminates at Silverstone in July, when teams must put their self-built, fully functional cars through a demanding series of performance and reliability tests.

The University’s School of Engineering, Physics & Mathematics has invested in software to enable the students to design and test the chassis and other parts of the car, and Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics is providing further financial and logistical support for the project. "This is an excellent opportunity for students to engage in the design, construction and testing of a racing car and further develop the skills taught to them in the Mechanical Engineering degree programme." said Head of Division, Dr Robert Keatch.

In the grand tradition of all racing teams the students are in need of further sponsorship to enable them to finish building the car and to travel to Silverstone. All sponsorship that the team receives will be acknowledged by logos on the car and clothing, press releases and space on the team website at http://www.DRIVE.dundee.ac.uk/

Several local business have already lent their support, including joinery firm JTC, Autosave Components, Brown & Tawse and IPG Automotive GmbH.

Further information can be obtained by emailing DRIVE@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Anna Day
Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk