Behind the Scenes of UGent Racing
- Thibo Verbeerst
- Experience
- February 28, 2024
On February 27th, 2024, UGent Racing opened its doors for a special behind-the-scenes event at their facility in Gent, located at Nieuwevaart 51. This exclusive event was a unique opportunity for partners, friends, and family to get a closer look at the inner workings of a top Formula Student team.
What Is Formula Student?
Formula Student (FS) is an international design competition that challenges university students to design, build, and race a small-scale formula style racing car. This competition is about more than just speed—it evaluates teams on their design, efficiency, profitability, and the dynamic and static performance of their vehicles. Formula Student represents a unique blend of engineering challenge and business acumen, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation.
Exclusive Access
Thanks to BDO , one of the proud sponsors of UGent Racing, I had the privilege to attend this event as an intern. The event spanned from 19:00 on the 27th to 23:00 on the 28th, offering an extended window into the day-to-day activities of the team.
What Was on Display?
The behind-the-scenes event was designed to provide attendees with an insider’s perspective into how a student-led team operates and what goes into building a competitive race car. This included demonstrations of the technology and tools used, insights into the design and engineering processes, and a firsthand look at the team’s latest race car.
Experience and Insights Gained
For many, including myself, the highlight was interacting with the passionate students behind UGent Racing. Each member showcased their specific roles, from design and engineering to logistics and management, explaining the complexities and challenges they face throughout the competition cycle. It was an enlightening experience that highlighted not only the technical skills involved but also the team spirit and dedication required to compete at the highest levels of Formula Student.
Impact of the Event
This behind-the-scenes event served not just as a showcase of UGent Racing’s technical prowess, but also as an avenue to strengthen relationships with sponsors, families, and the extended community. It provided valuable insights into the real-world application of engineering principles, teamwork, and project management, embodying the essence of what Formula Student stands for.
In summary, the event was a testament to the commitment and innovation of UGent Racing, providing an inspiring glimpse into the future of automotive engineering and motorsport.
Thank you for reading! I would like to extend my gratitude to BDO and all of the UGent Racing team members for their hospitality and for sharing their passion for racing with us.
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