Smithers Rapra supporting Michigan racing team

AKRON—Plastics and rubber technology expert Smithers Rapra is sponsoring the University of Michigan's Formula SAE team.

MRacing, Michigan's Formula SAE team, is collaborating with Smithers Rapra to gather lab data about tire performance and configure optimal construction specifications for the team's 2015 formula style racecar.

“When the MRacing team approached us to gain a better understanding of the 2015 racecar's tire performance, we suggested several test methods that could provide valuable data based on the car's design,” said Jesse Roeck, vice president and general manager, Smithers Rapra North America. “Our tire testing team has broad racing experience and expertise, and was able to apply that knowledge in a way that helped the team address its challenges and improve performance.”

Smithers Rapra's Force and Moment tire testing services was used to measure stresses and motions in tire footprints; tire forces and moments; lateral, longitudinal and vertical spring rates; and custom metrics, such as force development with distance rolled and bead or rim pressures. The results were used in vehicle models that balanced construction throughout the car, ensuring optimal performance under racing conditions.

“The Smithers team was able to provide us with state-of-the-art tire testing services and expertise to optimize tire performance during racing conditions,” said Peter Karkos, team member and Michigan student. “For engineering students, this tangible experience is invaluable to our development and to the team's future performance, and we hope will ultimately lead to success on the track.”

Formula SAE is an annual engineering series in which students organize, manage and fund a motorsport team that will design, build and race a new open-wheeled prototype racecar to compete with other universities. MRacing Formula SAE, in its 28th year, finished eighth in the 2014 FSAE Michigan event in May and ninth in the 2014 FSAE Lincoln event in June.

The team is competing in the 2014 FSAE Germany through Aug. 3.