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Housing Formula 1 race car open doors for future programs at Texas State
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Austin Humphreys, Assistant Photo Editor
The Williams Grand Prix Engineer's Formula 1 racecar is currently on display in the Mitte Buidling. The car uses Kinetic Energy Recovery System technology which faculty members are hoping to teach at Texas State in the near future.
Most people only get close enough to a passing professional race car to hear the rumbling of its engine. Texas State students now have the opportunity to get close enough to touch one.
The Roy F. Mitte Building now hosts the Williams Grand Prix Engineer’s Formula 1 race car. The state-of-the-art Williams Cosworth FW33 is currently on display for students and faculty.
“Just to be near a Formula 1 car is pretty impressive,” said Robert Habingreither, associate dean of the College of Science.
The Williams Cosworth FW33 has a seven-speed gearbox and movable rear wing. It has a Kinetic Energy Recovery System which allows the driver to increase acceleration approximately six seconds per lap. The system is used when needed by salvaging wasted heat energy produced by exhausts and brakes.
Faculty members are hoping to teach this type of technology at Texas State in the near future. Other areas of advanced courses range to possibly cover aerodynamics, volume metric efficiency of engines, carbon fiber composites and complex braking systems.
“Professionally, it is exciting to be able to involve students and faculty with something that is world class; this is truly world class,” said Andy Batey, interim chair of the department of engineering and technology. “That car that is in the lobby is a state-of-the-art piece of high performance engineering.”
The car on display will soon hit the track. Circuit of the Americas is the new motor racing circuit that is currently under construction in Austin, and is on schedule to be completed next year. It is the United States’ first racetrack designed specifically for Formula 1.
The track is 3.4 miles long and with a 133-foot elevation change it is designed to be one of the most challenging race courses in the world. The convention center will be home to the World Championships for both Formula 1 and Moto GP for the next 10 years.
“It’s the equivalent to having a Super Bowl in Austin for the next 10 years,” Habingreither said.
Matthew Jones, Williams F1 team’s marketing representative, said his company could be interested in cooperating with the Texas State department of engineering in getting students involved with research that could result in new advanced automobile engineering courses.
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