Happy Belated October!

Wondering why we’re sharing October’s highlights in November? October was such a packed month that we couldn’t resist recapping all the exciting moments!

Manufacturing Updates

The first ever in house machined upright.

We have successfully completed our first upright, an essential component that connects the rotating assembly to our suspension. With this milestone reached, the team is now working on the second front upright now with a more refined process for improved surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

Uprights play a critical role in ensuring stability and alignment in a Formula car’s suspension. The team’s engineers fine-tuned the design through prototyping and testing, learning valuable lessons from the first set to enhance the second.

“We’ve made adjustments to streamline production, improve precision, and reduce errors,” said Garret Castilleja, the SAE Safety and Manufacturing Lead. “This progress reflects the collaboration and dedication of our team.”

The improvements in the second set of uprights are a key step forward for DFR as they continue to refine their engineering processes and prepare for the upcoming racing season.

Dyno Day Recap

Chanh Phanh running a wide open throttle pull.

Recently, the Powertrain team visited Evolution Dynamics to use their Dynamometer for tuning the 2024 intake system, thanks to Kevin and Richard's support.

Last year, engineer Nick Kissoon designed the intake manifold, challenging the concepts from our 2019 model. A key goal was to validate how different plenum volumes affect torque and horsepower. The Dyno testing allowed us to make precise adjustments to optimize performance.

A big thank you to Kevin and Richard for their help in reaching our goals! We're excited to see the results on the track in the upcoming season.

Halloween Party

DFR Halloween Edit
Video Credit - Rithvik Kaniganti

Our Halloween party was a spook-tacular success! Hosted by the new Events and Logistics team, this event was a fantastic night filled with costumes, decorations, and plenty of fun. From creative costumes to festive snacks and activities, every detail came together perfectly, making it one of the best DFR gatherings yet.

The energy was high, and it was a great opportunity for our members to unwind, connect, and celebrate together. Huge kudos to the Events and Logistics team for putting in the effort to make it happen—they truly went above and beyond. Here’s to many more incredible events!

DFR Halloween: Class of 2024
Photo Credit - Renée Menezes

Member Shoutout

Vinnie Meskelis

We’re excited to celebrate Vinnie Meskelis, who’s been chosen as a finalist for the 2024 Mazda Spec MX-5 Shootout! On November 11th and 12th at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Vinnie will compete alongside 11 other talented racers, all aiming for a spot on the Mazda Factory Club Racing Team.

Mazda’s Shootout offers an unmatched opportunity: the top two drivers will secure a full 2025 season in the Spec MX-5 class, with professional testing, race entry fees, travel expenses, and mentorship included. This year’s finalist group also reflects Mazda’s commitment to diversity, featuring a record number of female drivers.

As Vinnie prepares for this incredible challenge, we’re cheering him on and can’t wait to see where his journey takes him. Good luck, Vinnie!

Subteam Shoutout

Events & Logistics

From Left to Right: Ananya Uppalapati, Lexus Douangdara, Abigail Nguyen, and Anastasia Garel
Photo Credit - Rithvik Kaniganti

Meet the powerhouse behind our recent events—our brand-new Events & Logistics team! Formed this year and comprised of four dedicated members, this team has quickly proven to be invaluable in shaping memorable experiences and growing our community.

From organizing an incredible Halloween party to arranging school visits to our shop, the Events & Logistics team has gone above and beyond to bring their vision to life. Their hard work has not only elevated our events but has also strengthened our connections with local schools, fostering excitement about our mission and inspiring future engineers.

With their energy, organization, and commitment, the team has set a new standard for what’s possible, and we couldn’t be prouder to have them leading the way. Here’s to many more successful events and milestones to come—thank you, Events & Logistics!

Sponsorship Shoutout

Westlake Epoxy

We’re excited to highlight Westlake Epoxy for their incredible support! Westlake has generously provided us with over 20 gallons of epoxy and resin, a valuable contribution that’s making a huge impact on our composites team. These materials are essential for creating strong, lightweight components and will directly help us build the best car possible this year.

Thanks to Westlake’s support, our team can push the limits of design and performance, refining every detail to bring our vision to life. A big thank you to Westlake Epoxy for helping us achieve our goals and make this season one of our best yet!

20 gallons of epoxy and resin

Thank you for reading, see you next month!