Formula Bharat 2024 - The Final Chapter

In the heart of the struggle and relentless hard work, a triumphant day emerged when I witnessed the car in motion. It was a weary Tuesday morning on January 16th as the team battled exhaustion, envisioning the wheels in motion and keeping everyone hungry and alert. Countless sleepless nights and immeasurable hours invested in getting the car running bore fruit, injecting hope just before the competition. Formula SAE had become more than an attachment; it was a passion that unfolded in my journey, a challenge to transform ideas into tangible car components. The competition was the destination to reap the year-long efforts and test the car's capabilities. 

The initial run on campus filled us with high spirits, and later, we shipped the car to Coimbatore for the national-level competition. That night, a peaceful serenity accompanied the relief of a running car and the excitement of competing at the highest level. Over the next five days of the competition, the goal was to absorb knowledge and learn from experienced teams. Our path to the dynamic events (Autocross, Endurance, Skidpad) faced a hurdle during technical scrutineering. A rule misinterpretation, seemingly without a solution, loomed over us. However, on Day 01, January 20th, the Structures Lead presented a breakthrough in the afternoon—a new firewall design to make the car rule compliant. A relentless work for two days resulted in a designed and manufactured firewall, bringing us closer to the dynamic events. Day 03 marked our attempt at technical inspection. Dressed in an uncomfortable driver's suit under the scorching sun, I was excited for success. The team gathered around, hoping to realize the dream of many seasons. Despite clearing most points, we faced unexpected checklist challenges related to the chassis, leaving irreversible issues. Despair settled in, but the experience was profound. 

The competition days bonded the team like nothing else and revealed our strengths and areas for improvement. Despite the setback, we had built a reliable and competent car, especially noteworthy in our powertrain setup—dual motor arrangement with potential torque vectoring. Learning from unconventional designs, we decided to implement them in simulations for the next car. Interactions with Judge Peter Jones instilled confidence in our simple designs, providing critical feedback for future improvements. Guiding my juniors and teammates, I emphasized the invaluable lessons the competition site imparts. 

Formula Bharat 2024 held a distinct significance from the previous year. Transitioning from Aerodynamics Member to Mechanical Lead equipped me with a technical mindset. These five days were the perfect culmination, enriched by the relationships and bonds forged with my team—more than just colleagues, they became family. Now, as I pen down my experiences for my website's blog, these moments will stand as a testament to the challenges, growth, and camaraderie fostered in the journey of Formula Bharat 2024.