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How do I join?
No membership fees or previous knowledge
of cars are required to join. Simply start
coming to the shop to help out; we welcome
any and all help. However, because there are
typically more students who come by to visit
our facilities versus to be on the team, we
need to see that you are the latter. This
means helping out with some of the simpler
tasks in the shop the first few times to show
that you really want to be here.
We understand that this is not the most welcoming
recruitment method, but please understand
that our top priority is to build two winning
cars. The time lost by helping someone out
who never comes back is time taken away from
working towards our goal. We want to make
sure you share this goal.
Because machine work is a major factor in
building our cars, it is beneficial for you
to have already completed or are currently
taking the Design and Manufacturing Lab (EML2322L).
Completion of this class authorizes you to
use the machine shop equipment. However, previous
machining experience is not required. Gator
Motorsports will at times hold machine training
classes, based on the number of requests and
the schedules of the lab teaching assistants.
If you are not interested in the machining
side of this organization, there is definitely
opportunities to help with university and
community public relations, human resources,
sponsorship, business administration, etc.
Another great way to get started with SAE International is to register at www.sae.org. The registration is only $10 and gives you access to technical papers, a sucription to SAE magazines and other benefits. This membership is nessicary to attend a competition.
When are your meetings held?
Any night of the week after 6 p.m. we will be working in the shop. Come in and get involved. Tuesdays and Thursdays are new member nights, however you do not need to come in on those nights to get involved.
If you are interested in getting more involved, contact the system leader for the system you are interested in for more information.
Where is the shop located?
The shop is the the Design and Manufacturing Lab in Mechanical Aerospace Building C (MAE-C). It is located across Gale Lemerand from Gator Dinning and East hall. Look for the north most two garage doors and enter though the normal 3'X7' door with the Gator head and flag logo on it. We try to keep the garage doors open when we can to help people find us.
How many hours a week do I need to
spend in the shop?
There is no required number of hours. Simply
come to the shop whenever you have time.
What’s the best time to come
in?
For new members, the best time is generally
after 6 p.m. on weekdays, and after 2 p.m. on weekends.
These are the times that the team leaders
are finished with class…or wake up.
Jobs are typically handed out on a first-come-first-serve
basis. Therefore even though we work until
late in the night, it is best to come closer
to those times if you are looking to get your
hands dirty.
May I work on my own projects in
the shop?
The shop is only for use to work on the formula
or baja vehicles. Use of the shop or its resources
for personal projects is strictly prohibited
unless prior authorization has been granted
by the laboratory manager.
Who gets to drive?
All team members get the chance! Once you
have shown us that you want to be part of
the team, we will set up a time for you to
show us what you’ve got. The best drivers
are chosen to be the drivers for competition.
Who goes to competition?
The most dedicated members are selected to
go to competition. Around ten members are
generally selected for the Formula SAE Team,
and five for the Baja Midwest Team. On top
of showing commitment in the shop, the following
requirements must also be met:
- Have a positive, team player attitude.
- Assist in our community and university
outreach events.
- Attend general body meetings.
- Obtain a minimum of $250 in sponsorship
money (Material donations are considered on
a case by case basis to meet this requirement).
- Pay travel fees as required by UF Student
Government.
- Purchase team competition apparel package.
- Be an official SAE International
member.
If you have any further questions,
please feel free to contact us by stopping
by the shop
or e-mailing
us
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