About Us
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hosts a collegiate design series every year known as "Mini Baja." Universities from around the world work each year to design, build, test, and race high competive vehicles. Specific rules govern vehicle aspects such as chassis design and engine model (all teams must use an identical 10hp Briggs & Stratton engine) but designs vary greatly from school to school and year to year.
UVM Mini Baja (AKA: Catamount Racing) became a club at UVM in 1999, started by 7 senior mechanical engineering students, with limited funds, limited tools/shop space, and limited faculty support. Despite this, an eager team successfully built and raced their first vehicle in the spring of 2000. Since 2000, much has changed. The team has their own shop space, equipment, trailer and much appreciated support from various UVM affiliatets. In addition to faculty support within the UVM College of Engineering, the team receives a generous budget each year from the UVM Student Government Association. This funding allows the team to build a car each year, with modifications and testing necessary to stay compeitive. Outside funding through local sponsors allows the team to travel to 3 national events each year. Race registration fees, fuel costs, hotel rooms and of course the amount of food needed to feed a hungry team on the road is covered by these generous sponsers year after year, so teh team thanks them again for their support! Please see the Sponsorship Page for information about existing sponsors and potential sponsorship.
