Hardrocker Racing Blog

If you haven't noticed, we've gotten a majority of the website up to par. A great deal of time was spent on the Cars pages, which goes into the detailed history of Formula Hardrocker Racing since the first car to compete, in 1996. In addition, we've updated the pages talking about our more recent car, from 2007 to 2009.

In the manufacturing side of things, our frame is inches away from being complete. In addition, the uprights will be heading off to their next step in post-deposition treatment - looking forward to getting them machined here at school in the coming weeks!

Brake rotors will begin the manufacturing phase today on our 4-axis mill, before heading to our local sponsor Oreilly Auto Parts (Rapid City, SD) to be brake-lathed.

Suspension components are complete. A-arms are done, tabs are on the frame, and everything is ready to be assembled.

The engine is on the dyno and is currently hours from running. Last night the engine was turning over - so we're almost there! After a few additional relays are installed we'll be off and tuning!

Last, by not least, we have to put a plug in for our sponsors. Without their generous contributions, we would not be building such an amazing car this year. A huge thanks goes out to:

• RPM & Associates / RPM Solutions
• POET / Ethanol
• Metal Improvement Company
• Dakota Gasification Company
• Zyvex Performance Materials
• ACE Steel & Recycling
• All Metal Manufacturing
• Extensive Metalworks
• Jolly Lane Greenhouse & Floral

More sponsors will hopefully join us soon. Check out the full list here!

The new FHR 10' car is well on its way to becoming a complete vehicle. Some major milestones have been reached!
- Stubshafts are completed
- Drivetrain components are ready for assembly
- The frame only needs a few more members before its complete and awaits tabs
- All a-arms are done, along with all spherical bearings being pressed in
- All spherical bearing mounts have been machined
- Brake pads and calipers have arrived, brake hats are ready for assembly
- The uprights have been sent off for heat treatment and will return for final machining in a few weeks

In addition to this, our team has secured sponsors from many generous companies. We will be completing our new sponsor listing very soon. Please keep checking our sponsors page for more details.

The car is looking amazing - we are excited by what we see and the momentum that we are holding!

The 2010 Formula Hardrocker Racing Critical Design Review will be December 2nd, 2010, in CB204W. Please come view the amazing improvements we have in store for this year's car!

Some of the major improvements for this year include:

• Knowledge used from last year to improve Aprilia operation
• Complete analysis regarding restrictor and plenum design
• Improved suspension system with innovative new stabilizer bar design and better shock placement
  
• Redesigned brake system to include outboard rear brakes
• Newly designed centerlock system used to retain wheels and rotating components
• Uprights redesigned to house larger bearings and upgraded braking system - all four corners now using titanium laser deposition
• Overall un-sprung weight decrease over last year
  
• Frame improved over last year's car along with more thorough testing and changed to better meet new FSAE rules
• Aero package to include a Midwing this year
  

There are many other small changes being made to the car leading to large improvements on the track. The team is beyond excited to start production this year. Manufacturing will begin December 3rd!

Keep visiting for more updates!

A quick update to everyone - the seven Formula Hardrocker Racing 2010 Senior Design members have been working diligently in the past month. Since the Preliminary Design Review on October 7th, a lot of design and analysis has been completed. The 2010 car will include many improvements, making it an excellent performer. This year's team consists of the following teammates:

Frame: David VanSickle
Drivetrain: Drew Sykora
Brakes: Matt Kalus
Hubs/Spindles/Wheels: Jason Wendling
Suspension: Nolan Pray
Uprights: Sean Hayes

Of course, other key members that are taking on extensive design roles include:

Engine: Andy Pautsch
Aerodynamics: Adam Hemmingson

When time allows, the new car's page will be added. Please keep visiting!

A new year of Formula Hardrocker Racing is now underway. The senior design team is looking much more complete this year. Meeting times have been made, check out the Join page to see when and where to join us!

More website updates will be coming soon, so keep checking back!