2004-2005

News Release

REF NO.: 289

SUBJECT: Formula MUN drives into the community

DATE: April 11, 2005

Memorial University has a history of high performance in many fields, but some of its engineering students are taking high performance to a new level. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s Formula MUN race car is being overhauled and re-designed for the world championships in 2006, and the team is making plans to show the community what they have accomplished.

“It’s thrilling to see such passion and determination from our students,” says Dr. Ray Gosine, dean of Engineering. “I’m so impressed with how they take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to something that’s practical and topical. They’re an innovative and ingenious group and I’m confident they’ll produce a winning vehicle.”

The first event in Formula MUN’s lineup is at Diamond Design’s Annual Watch Showcase in May. There is a strong connection between the precision timing of Swiss watches and auto racing, so the opportunity to display the vehicle at this event was natural, says Pat Thompson, owner of Diamond Design.

“The team approached me about their desire to gain more profile in the community. With some of our watch brands like Tag Heuer and Tissot being so connected to Formula One racing, it seemed like the perfect sponsorship opportunity,” he said.

Members of the Formula MUN Team will be on hand to display the car, talk about the science behind their car, and answer questions about auto racing. “We just want to get out there and show people what we’ve come up with,” says John Campbell, Formula MUN’s project director. “We’re very proud of the design and mechanics of our car, and want to give people a taste of how a high-performance car works.”

The Formula MUN vehicle will be on display outside Diamond Design at Terrace on the Square, Churchill Square, on Friday, May 13 from 5-7 p.m., and Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

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