Purdue’s motorsports legacy and the Indy 500

Read more online about Purdue’s mark on the Indianapolis 500.

Though Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering offers the flexibility for careers in a number of fields, many students have been drawn to the motorsports industry. Through coursework, on-campus race events and internships, those interested in the field have been equipped with the skills and experience necessary to pursue their dreams.

In the classroom, Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering helps students develop their problem-solving skills and learn how to evaluate and design a range of products, including machine parts and engines. Outside of the classroom, Purdue also offers the opportunity to become involved in the next generation of racing technologies and experiences, such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Collegiate Design Series, where students design, manufacture, test, and race cars against students from other universities. The experience provides hands-on experience in motorsports. The teams each year are:

• Purdue Baja SAE: Builds a single-seat four-wheel-drive, off-road race car, designed to traverse any kind of terrain or obstacle.
• Purdue Formula SAE: Builds a single-seat Formula-style car with custom-tuned internal combustion engine.
• Purdue Electric Racing: Builds a similar Formula-style car with four independent electric hub motors, powered by a custom 336-volt battery pack, going 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

Two mechanical engineering students, alongside four from Purdue Polytechnic Institute, are interning with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Read more about IndyCar Interns online Purdue students working with Juncos Hollinger Racing.

Mechanical engineering alumna Angela Ashmore, who is an engineer for Chip Ganassi’s Racing’s No. 8 IndyCar team, took part in this competition during her time at Purdue, working with Purdue’s Formula SAE team.

Boilermakers have participated in the Indy Autonomous Challenge, designing full-size cars to autonomously race around the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since 2009, Purdue has also hosted evGrand Prix. Each year, the university welcomes electric karting teams from around the world to compete at Purdue’s home track. Purdue students also have the chance to participate in the event, implementing what they have learned in the classroom to build and drive specialized karts.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last four years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://stories.purdue.edu.