At this year’s Washington, DC Auto Show, six GW Baja Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) team members showcased their physical 2024 vehicle alongside 2025’s designs to industry professionals and fellow student SAE teams. As participants in SAE International’s annual intercollegiate competition to design, build, and race an off-road vehicle, this event was more than just an exhibition for the team. It allowed them to make connections, gather expert feedback, and refine their design approach for the upcoming competition season.
The GW Baja team is currently finalizing their design for Baja SAE Maryland in June, where they will compete against teams from around the world in various dynamic events, including a hill climb and a four-hour endurance race. By interacting with teams from schools like Johns Hopkins University and Virginia Tech at the Auto Show, they gained valuable insights into different design methodologies they could incorporate into their work.
During the exhibition, the team presented their designs for the 2025 car to a panel of industry judges from major automotive companies, who took an interest in their work and offered constructive feedback for improvement. This panel mirrors the static event portion of SAE competitions, helping the team become more adept at presenting and answering questions about their vehicle.
Team co-captains Jacob Goldberg and Ben Sirota expressed pride in the 4-wheel drive (4WD) system of their 2024 vehicle, which faced numerous challenges in previous years. As they prepare for this year’s competition, the GW Baja team has been working diligently to enhance the drivetrain system by incorporating a clutch to activate or deactivate 4WD, introducing a more effective chain tensioning system, and increasing the torque output of the gearbox.
“In 2025, our main goal is to have a reliable car that can withstand competition without major failures. We aim to pass our braking checks on the first try and improve our scores from previous competitions by increasing driver comfort with the car and refining our designs,” said Goldberg.
The team’s focus on improving their vehicle’s drivetrain and driver comfort underscores their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. With newfound insights from industry professionals and peer teams, the GW Baja team is more prepared than ever to tackle the challenges of the upcoming competition and deliver their best vehicle yet.