A UF student-run racing group is facing increased challenges recruiting sponsors for this year’s season because of the current economic downturn.
UF Society of Automotive Engineers designs, manufactures and races a formula car for the annual international competition Formula SAE Michigan.
Currently, UFSAE is transitioning from the design phase to the building phase of the race car. However, obtaining sponsorships has proven difficult.
President of UFSAE Ashley Averill said the major challenge the organization faces is making sure adequate funding is available. The group receives sponsorships from both local businesses and large corporations. Some of last year’s sponsors have not been able to donate at all, she said.
Saturday, UFSAE will work at the European Rally and Performance Driving School’s Open Track Day as part of the organizations’ sponsorship agreement. The group will make sure the two-mile course is in good condition and clear of debris.
The school, located at Starke, Fla., is a platinum sponsor of UFSAE and offers its track to the group for test driving. In exchange, UFSAE works events located at the school.
In order to be a platinum-level sponsor, the business must donate anywhere from $10,000 to $19,999.
Last year, UFSAE had 63 sponsors. This year, the group has about 20.
“We are still looking for more sponsors,” Averill said. “We are nowhere close to near the amount of sponsors we need.”
In order to reach out to more Gainesville-area businesses, UFSAE displays the sponsor’s logos at events. After contributing $500 or more, the sponsor’s logo is displayed on the race car. Where the logo is placed on the car depends on the amount of money donated.
To appeal to larger corporations, UFSAE is emphasizing mutually beneficial opportunities, according to Averill.
“We try to show the benefits of our program,” she said. “Students involved with UFSAE might work for that company one day.”
In turn, UFSAE receives funding necessary to design and create a race car.
Jeff Simons, former vice president of sponsorships, said his job entailed setting up sponsorship groups with old and new members to help drive sponsorships. This year, Averill said everyone has to take more of a responsibility for securing sponsors.
According to Averill, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much funding is necessary to design and create the race car because some of the donations are time and materials. Expert engineers come in to give their time and expertise during all stages of the design and manufacturing process.
“Some of the materials that are donated could be scraps to some people, but to us, scraps are priceless,” Averill said.
She said finding funding this year has been particularly hard.
“Being an engineer means designing around challenges,” she said. “This year’s challenges are not only mechanical but also working around the economy.”
UFSAE placed 21st out of 130 international teams in last year’s Formula SAE Michigan. Simons, this year’s formula team co-captain, said the top three finishers in the race receive grants from the Society of Automotive Engineers. However, sometimes where the group places at the competition doesn’t influence sponsors for the next year.
“Some realize that this is a fantastic program no matter what we place,” he said.
Formula Team Captain Luther Lloyd said the major challenge of being captain is motivating volunteer students to spend more time in the shop and less on free time.
Lloyd said he is most worried about money this year.
The actual size of the racing team is smaller this year, Lloyd said.
“Now, people who used to design primarily have to do twice the work with sponsors in the same amount of time,” he said.
The group has three primary goals for the design of the car.
Simons said, in terms of weight, the group wants to eliminate 10 percent off each different section of the car. Secondly, UFSAE wants to integrate parts more efficiently by taking one part and giving it multiple uses. This will not only make the car look cleaner but will save weight.
The final area of emphasis is making the car more comfortable. Simons said the design needs to accommodate the different heights of himself and Lloyd.
The Formula SAE Michigan begins May 12.