Stauff supports Sheffield University students at International competition
- 01 September, 2011
Formula Student is an annual competition in which students from universities across the world design, manufacture and compete against one another with custom-built, single-seat race cars. The event is one of the largest engineering competitions in the world, and is run by the IMechE in the UK and supported by major sponsors such as EOn, Mercedes High Performance Engines, Autodesk and Jaguar Landrover.
Sheffield Formula Racing is the Formula Student team based at the University of Sheffield and is currently only in its second year of existence. It was established by recently graduated team leader Marissa Bole and a colleague, who have achieved the difficult task of getting a car to competition two years in a row. Working on a budget, minute in comparison to that of some of the top teams, the team of 25 students managed this year to far improve upon their previous performance and expectations.
In 2010 the team reached 62nd place overall in the competition. This year, however, they jumped to 38th overall; finishing 29th in the Design Event; 14th in the Business Event and 4th in the Costing Event. This was an outstanding achievement and an even more impressive result (potentially in the top 20) was only blighted by issues with the engine map.
Bole commented: “Stauff have been a fantastic help this year assisting with finance, product supply, services and logistics; allowing the team secure parking for the race bus/hospitality unit and also for allowing us to run the car at their Carlisle Street facility. It has been a fantastic partnership and Sheffield Formula Racing hope that Stauff UK will continue to be involved and support the team in the future."
The competition this year was held over three days at Silverstone. The typical British summer did not dampen the spirits of the competitors and eventually the clouds lifted offering the teams the chance to really put the cars through their paces. Iain Stansbie, Stauff UK’s marketing manager, and Dave Brown, research & development at Stauff UK, were at the event to offer their support.
Stansbie commented:
“The University of Sheffield team were not only impressive in numbers (25 in total) but also organisation, technical skills and total dedication. Those in the team who have graduated and are moving on to exciting career paths will have gained invaluable experience from their involvement – all at Stauff wish them well.” Brown added: “The whole event was marvellous and had an impressive number of international competitors. The University of Sheffield team did a fantastic job with their limited budget ... I’m sure the teams determination will push them to greater results next year." For more information on the competition visit
www.formulastudent.co.uk. For more about the team please see their Facebook and Twitter pages (SheffieldFormulaRacing).
