A group of fourth-year engineering students had a smashing time raising funds for their capstone project.

The 2013 SAE Baja team held a Car Smash outside Essex Hall on Thursday, charging passersby to swing with a sledgehammer at an old automobile.

“It is a fun way of raising money,” says Yan Gao, member of this year’s Baja team. “We take all safety precautions and make sure they have fun at the same time.”

The team is this year’s UWindsor representation in international collegiate design competitions hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

The automotive engineering students raised funds for the drive to the Midnight Mayhem endurance race hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 6, where they will compete against 125 other teams from across North America.

Participation in the event allows engineers to apply classroom theory to conceive, design, and fabricate a rugged, off-road vehicle. This year’s vehicle is the Iron Badger, which was built over a period of one year, will contend in a series of events including a 4-hour endurance challenge.

“Our UWindsor teams have a great track record,” says team member Sim Toor. “We hope to keep up that great work and win first prize this year.”

The SAE Baja capstone program currently supports a total of 13 students registered in fourth year under the guidance of professor Bruce Minaker.

— article and photo by Chantelle Myers