NIU racers get gift from Caterpillar

by Joe King

NIU engineering students who compete in vehicle design and racing events got a lift this fall from Caterpillar Corp.

The Peoria-based maker of heavy machinery, engines and other products made a gift of $6,000 to the college's NIU MotorSports Team for the purchase of a trailer to transport their vehicles to competitions around the country.

The team, part of the NIU student chapter of the Society of Automotive and Aerospace Engineers, competes in two classes of competition sponsored by SAE: formula (open wheel) and mini Baja (dune buggy-style). Both competitions provide student engineers the experience of conceiving, designing, fabricating and competing race cars.

The gift, said Promod Vohra, dean of the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is just the latest example of the generous support provided to the college by Caterpillar.

“We have always been very grateful and proud of our partnership with Caterpillar,” Vohra said. “The company not only provides research and design project opportunities for our students, but is also a top employer of our graduates.”

The NIU MotorSports Team has participated in SAE competitions for five years, consistently placing in the top 15 percent in several aspects of the competition. The contests draw teams from across the country and around the globe.

11-7-05