Benutzer:Gfr-Team/Global Formula Racing GFR
Global Formula Racing (GFR) is the first global student collaboration of it's kind in the history of both the US-based Formula SAE and EU-based Formula Student programs. The former BA Racing Team from the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg-Ravensburg (DHBW-R), Germany, and the Beaver Racing Team from Oregon State University (OSU) combined forces in 2010 to compete as a single entity. The two universities share physical and intellectual resources through the use of advanced communications technology to create a highly competitive vehicle worthy of international recognition.
Design, manufacturing and testing occur simultaneously at both schools. The collaboratively developed GFR 2013 design will be used to manufacture a combustion car and a fully electric car. The combustion car will compete in USA events, as well as in Formula Student events across Europe. GFR's electric car will stay in Europe to participate in Formula Student competitions only.
The Team
The beginning of this unique global venture was in 2009. The two universities share physical and intellectual resources by using advanced communication-technology to create a highly competitive vehicle. Design, manufacturing, and testing occur simultaneously at both schools, over 9 time zones and 5400 miles distance. The supply chain management is unique in Formula Student and very important at that point. In the first Season 2010 the team built two identical race-cars at both universities and laid down a foundation for the design of the following years. This baseline is used since 2011 to develop and build two cars – one combustion car at the OSU campus in Corvallis and one electrical car at the campus of DHBW-RV. A term abroad for team members at the partner university enables students to benefit from international experience and to further support a strong communication network within the team. The Relentless documentary gives a deeper insight in the team's work.
Team Structure
Because of the cooperation of Oregon State University and DHBW Ravensburg, it is necessary to have an efficient organization. Rather than act as competitors at the events, resources are pooled and the skills of the universities combined. Design, production and testing will take place at both universities. GFR is divided into teams including: Management, ePowertrain, cPowertrain, Body, Aerodynamic and Suspension. These Teams are split again in different subteams. Those subteams are visualized in the graph. For this international collaboration, it is necessary that each subteam involves both American and German students and uses all the human resources available to meet design and manufacture deadlines.
Sponsoring
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors, without whom we could not build cars with the latest technology. Our sponsors have contributed mightily to our success; each and every sponsor we have makes continuing our tradition of excellence possible. For further information about our sponsors take a look at List of sponsors.
