The world knows India as the land of great minds who have contributed in scientific development to a great extent. This time around 25 brilliant student minds from KJ Somaiya college have built an All-terrain vehicle that shall represent India at the Sasol BAJA South Africa Challenge, 2014 event that was held in October. The group managed to claimed the 10th position without actually being a part of the main event as their sales presentation and design evaluation went well.
Speaking more on the occasion, Rohit Salgaonkar, team's captain said, “Our racing car has a good power transmission, an all-wheel locking brake system, adjustable pneumatic shock absorbers and a glass fibre bodywork.” Adding to it, Tejas Patel, another group member said, “We secured the first place in our sales presentation. We were asked to focus on selling the car virtually and explain how to produce 4000 units of the car every year. We also had to describe all the features, prepare a market plan, conduct production analysis and planning. Our performance was well appreciated and we would be soon participating in the BAJA Student India competition that will be held in Jamshedpur in January 2015.”
At the start of event, the team faced some problems as the Indian custom officials had made an error in the paperwork. This resulted in the vehicle being delivered only about half a day before the competition began. Not among the ones to give up easy, the 25 young minds spent time overnight to get everything under control. The local teams have also been helpful as they helped them find spares for the vehicle. Speaking more on the occasion, Nimish Ojale, team member said, “We had to adjust the engine mounts and spill pan according to the new engine we got there. But, during the safety inspection and check, there was a problem with the brakes.”
