2009 Human Powered Vehicle Takes Shape

The semester starts tomorrow but several Human Powered Vehicle veterans have had a busy semester break. The holidays have been an opportunity for team members to apply and sand Bondo over and over again until the fairing plug was as absolutely smooth (and consequently aerodynamic) as possible. When the work satisfied aerodynamics master Andrew Sourk, team president Whittney Metcalf called in speed challenge partners Ben Kettler and Craig George (both just back after a semester's co-op jobs) to help prime the plug, which resembles some of the professional vehicles seen at the '07 record attempt-setting Nevada races.

Whittney helps a heavily-protected Andrew lay the Bondo and foam plug on its side so as soon as the mix is ready he can start the repetitive back-and-forth spray motions .

Eventually they'll cover the plug in a gel-coat and fiberglass skin which the Miners will then use to lay up the carbon-fiber protective exoskeleton. The '09 fairing design offers each rider a low center of gravity, easy egress and improved visibility. The team is targeting two events this spring about as far apart as one can get; Philadelphia for the east races and Portland, Oregon for the more competitive west coast challenge. They plan to camp along the way to save money and invest the difference in some of the mechanical components they'll need to make it go.