PPG Automotive Refinish continues to support The Ohio State University College of Engineering’s Formula Buckeyes’ participation in the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) racing challenges. Comprised exclusively of students, the team designs and fabricates a high-performance, open-wheeled, formula-style racing car that competes against entries from more than 110 colleges and universities nationwide.
PPG has contributed to the students’ efforts by making available all the necessary products, including Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat and Vibrance Collection VC5200 clearcoat. In addition, technicians at PPG’s state-of-the-art training facility in Columbus, Ohio, provided their expertise in applying the finishes.
The Formula Buckeyes team consists of students from the university’s engineering, art and technology, marketing and business administration disciplines. Their goal is to find inventive ways of improving a formula racer’s performance by reducing its weight. The team’s work with composite materials and innovative technologies will translate into practical development opportunities for the automotive industry to enhance fuel efficiency standards and minimize impact on the environment.
The team’s designs were recognized by President Barack Obama when he met with the students on his recent visit to OSU’s campus. The university has a long history of introducing new concepts and solutions to help the nation develop its alternative energy sources.
"The Formula SAE competition is intended to encourage students to take part in vehicle research and development," said Randy Cremeans, director of marketing for PPG. "The work these students are doing and how they overcome technological challenges definitely benefits the automotive industry. The students on the Formula Buckeyes racing team are highly regarded in the industry because of the problem-solving experience they gain. Every time we’re there, we learn with them and are thrilled we can contribute to their success. Seeing the passion, leadership and commitment these students have for the automotive industry makes us feel confident they’ll deliver innovative ideas and technologies that help shape our future."
Cars competing in SAE events have horsepower limitations; to boost performance and efficiency, the car’s weight must be reduced. The Formula Buckeyes’ racer uses lightweight, carbon-fiber structural materials. However, the carbon-fiber substrate poses painting challenges since many finishes cannot withstand the high heat and gas fumes the car generates. It’s also important to apply as little paint as possible to minimize the impact on the car’s weight and performance.
PPG solved the problem by painting the racer with an application of Envirobase High Performance products. The result is a gleaming red and white formula racer weighing 450 pounds and capable of churning out zero to 60 mph times in the 3.5-second range.
"Working with PPG is a great experience," said Jared Martin, Formula Buckeyes team leader. "It’s nice to work with a group of guys who can share our passion for cars. The help they’ve given us is incredible, and we love the PPG paint and primers. We get car clubs coming to our shop at times, and they’re all jealous of our paint scheme and the car’s finish."
The Formula Buckeyes traveled to Hockenheim, Germany, this month for Formula Student Germany (FSG) to compete against 77 other teams from around the world in a series of performance contests.
