Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha were again gold sponsors of the internationally recognized SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge this year.
There were over 160 students participating from 14 different universities from across the U.S. and Canada. They convened in Houghton, Mich., at the Keweenaw Research Center, which is affiliated with Michigan Technological University, to reveal and demonstrate many months of hard work. The young engineering students presented different solutions on how to build and improve snowmobiles.
The University-sponsored snowmobiles competed in numerous, strenuous events. The vehicles had to complete a 100-mile endurance run and were checked for fuel economy and tested for handling characteristics on a specially designed Keweenaw Research Center course. Snowmobiles were tested for noise, emissions, rider comfort and various subjective handling events during the event.
The tests also measured the shock vibration transmitted to the driver as the sled negotiated a bump course. Vehicles were tested for curb appeal also, and each of the groups made presentations to industry professionals, who served as judges.
Clarkson University won the Internal Combustion Division and they also received the awards for Lowest Emissions and Best Value - which balances cost, fuel economy and performance.
The University of Wisconsin at Madison won the Zero Emissions Award with a battery powered machine and an electric motor.
The University of Idaho won the awards for the Quietest Snowmobile and Best Acceleration.
Michigan Technological University earned the award for Best Performance.
Kettering University received the award for Best Fuel Economy.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has announced that Michigan Tech will coordinate the SAE Snowmobile Challenge event for 2009. For those University groups interested in participating in the event or to get full results, visit/contact Michigan Tech University at
www.mtukrc.org and/or the SAE at
www.sae.org.