虎扑电竞

The Tohoku University Formula Team (TUFT) is revving up for this year's Formula SAE Japan (FSAEJ), set to take place from September 9 to 14 at Aichi Sky Expo.

The team's car, dubbed TF24, can hit speeds of up to 80 kph, powered by a Honda Twin Motor Unit, and a special green character named Kenichi.

TUFT members are so taken with the PR Department's popular mascot that they have made Kenichi decals a prominent part of the car's design. "We all love Kenichi, and it makes us happy to drive with such a cute character," said Shoya Sawano, a third-year mechanical and aerospace engineering student who is the current team leader. "I think Kenichi will bring us luck in Aichi!"

The TF24 is the result of a year-long effort, with many aspects planned, designed and made by the students themselves.

They cut and welded the steel pipes used to make the car's frame and suspension arms, and designed the circuit boards which were then ordered from manufacturers. They also used a 3D printer to make covers to keep the electronic components clean and dry.

Founded in 2011, TUFT aims to provide students with hands-on engineering experience by having them build a car for competition. The team currently consists of 20 members who meet three times a week to work on TF24 in their garage at the university's Jun-ichi Nishizawa Memorial 虎扑电竞 Center.

In the FSAEJ competition, student teams are tasked with planning, designing and producing a small formula-style racing car. The competition evaluates not only the car's running performance but also its concept, design and cost management. Teams are graded after a technical inspection for vehicle safety and design compliance; static events such as cost, design and presentation; and dynamic events like speed, acceleration, skidpad performance, endurance and fuel efficiency.

TUFT made its debut in the Electric Vehicle (EV) category at the 2013 All Japan Student Formula Competition. Over the years, the team has consistently improved its performance, achieving notable results such as the "Most Lightweight Award" in 2015 and securing third place in the EV category for three consecutive years starting in 2015. The team's best overall finish was 27th place in 2017.

This year, they will face around 70 other teams from not just Japan but also China, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia.

TUFT has four designated drivers, chosen based on their lap times on a simulator and in live testing. According to Sawano, the team has conducted 10 test drives since April and is encouraged by the results. "We did a lot more tests this year than last year, which is also good for our drivers. I think our skidpad is very good and we've managed to improve the car's overall consistency and reliability."

He added that although there are many strong teams in the competition, "if we don't make any mistakes, I think there's a chance we can get a good result this year. In any case, we will do our best."

The week-long competition will be streamed live on the Student Formula Japan YouTube channel.