The newest ZAAR crowd-funding campaign was launched this week, aimed at helping to fund the University of Malta's Formula SAE Racing Team as they continue to achieve international success.
The first time Malta competed in Formula SAE was through a university team in 2007. Enter UoMR, which was officially launched in 2012, which has competed in the Formula SAE Italy in both 2014 and 2015. Most recently they placed 29th out of 77 competing teams in Italy. Now, they've set their sights higher than ever by pushing their limits towards the FSAE season 2017.
"What started as a dream for four young students in 2012 has grown into a club that encompasses 60 students from eight faculties within the University," says Matthew Buhagiar, who leads UoMR's business team. "Students from diverse backgrounds voluntarily join forces under UoMR to work on both the engineering and business administrative sides of the project."
"Beyond that, five undergraduate dissertations based on the UoMR car are currently being finalised, thus adding to the University's research value and the team's knowledge-gathering process. The experience within UoMR has provided past students with unique knowledge and unparalleled opportunities within the automotive and motorsport industry, both locally and internationally. So much so, that some UoMR alumni have even furthered their studies in automotive and motorsport engineering at top UK universities."
With all that in mind, UoMR is now hoping to race towards the finish line of their next goal. They are currently designing a lighter, faster and stronger car than ever before.
"For the first time in Maltese FSAE, we will be using a turbocharged engine for our car," continues Mr Buhagiar. "Beyond that, the team is developing its expertise in structural composite materials in a bid to cut 30kg off last year's weight. From a data acquisition perspective, we are also building a state-of-the-art proprietary system that will allow us to analyse various aspects of the car in soft real-time."
In fact, as you read this, the team is prototyping and testing new components as part of its continuous effort to place Malta in one of the top spots in automotive engineering. And that's exactly why they're reaching out for funding - to help them reach that goal and go for gold.
"We're so grateful for any help and support received, and there are lots of interesting rewards available so please do check out our page on ZAAR. We really hope to make you, and all of Malta, proud," he adds.
UoMR thanks all sponsors and collaborators who in any way help the organisation achieve its goals. Special thanks go to the University of Malta and its Research Trust (RIDT), the team's University Advisor, Dr. Ing. Maurizio Fenech, as well as to many staff members who offer their academic knowledge, resources, expert advice and other help, without which this ongoing project would not be possible.
The team's main sponsors include The Ministry for Education and Employment, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Tek-Moulds, PwC Malta, Adpro-Instruments Ltd., Continental Cars Ltd., RS Components,Würth Malta and QFree Traffiko.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/zaar.com.mt, www.uomracing.com, www.facebook.com/uomracing or email [email protected]