NZ Van Lines Proudly Supports WESMO’s Formula SAE Journey

NZ Van Lines Proudly Supports WESMO’s Formula SAE Journey

 

NZ Van Lines is thrilled to be a Gold Sponsor for the University of Waikato’s student-run organisation, WESMO. Each year, WESMO brings together a group of students to design, build, and race a small formula-style racing car in the prestigious Formula SAE competition.

About WESMO

WESMO, short for the Waikato Engineering Society Motorsports Organisation, is a student-run team at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. The team is completely student-managed, supported by the University, and driven by the desire to compete on the international stage. Each year, the team takes on the challenge of designing, building, and testing a race car for the Formula SAE competition, organised by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International.

The Formula SAE competition is a highly anticipated event held annually in Melbourne, Australia. Student teams from universities around the globe travel to the Formula SAE competition, where they showcase their skills in business, design and performance events. Cars are judged in a series of static and dynamic events, including technical inspection, cost, presentation, engineering design, solo performance trials and high-performance endurance.

This year, WESMO is taking the competition to the next level. The team is embracing the future of the automotive industry by developing a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) for the 2024 Formula SAE competition. This shift aligns with the global trend toward sustainability and provides WESMO students with an opportunity to work on technology that will equip them for future careers in automotive engineering.

WESMO team commented, “Our goal for the year is to make a reliable car that can complete both the static and dynamic events. This is critical to being able to bring the competition to the other teams.”

The Road to the Competition

The WESMO team works on this ambitious project throughout the year, starting with the research and design phase, followed by the manufacturing and testing of the car. Students gain invaluable hands-on experience, learning a broad range of practical skills along the way. The car is largely built in the university’s workshop, progressing the technological aspect each year.

“We are thrilled to be a part of WESMO’s journey,” said Charles Bennett of NZ Van Lines. “Supporting the team allows us to contribute to the future of engineering, motorsport, and sustainable technology and we are proud to be part of their success.”
To follow the progress of the WESMO team and stay updated on their journey visit their social media page and show your support! https://www.facebook.com/wesmofsae/

Photo: Ellie McLaughlin, Lead of Junior Team WESMO 2024