BAJA buggy!!

On left: Nathan test driving the Go-zee-zatch
(what he named it) (after old lego creation)
On right: Scott and Alex checking something!

If you don't like parental bragging, you better go off and read someone else's blog because I am really proud of my son!!

Guy details: engine: 10hp Briggs and Stratton
frame: chrome moly 41-30
tires: 27-16's
transmission: manual
man hours to build: 500+

The Society of American Engineers holds a BAJA competition every year. Scott and Nathan entered it. A couple other guys came into the game later but wow, did they ever help!! Everyone gets the standard engine and then there are specs you have to stay within for design, etc. There are teams from all over the country that enter this.

Anyhow, they began somewhere in February actually welding. Neither had ever done that before! Thanks Dr B for your welder!!(and Mr W!) They designed it and built it and I am so proud of my son!

The competition starts tomorrow...unfortunately the guys got it running but not safely...safe is pretty key in these competitions. There would have been a panel of judges going over the car with a fine tooth comb and it would not have passed..so Monday morning all the guys pulled the plug. They were bummed and disappointed but had a blast driving it around in the yard in it's semi safe condition..and yes, the yard is ripped up!!

I am very, very proud of these young men. They made a BAJA buggy! It works! They learned about welding, geometry, a little trigonometry, economics and most importantly-- building relationships. Boy did those relationships get tested and strained! They still all like each other!
Even though they didn't get to go, they got HUGE lessons on all the above. They took on new things they've never done before. They worked together. To me, after all I've been through with Jesus, those life lessons are far more valuable than actually getting to be in the competition.
They also learned that Mr. Z and Mr. R DO know what they are talking about, not just some of the time, but all of the time! That is golden to me!

They burned out the clutch driving it around the other day..the view through the living room window, was all three guys pushing it up the driveway, with Hannah at the wheel..too funny!

So today, I praise the Lord for these young, home schooled men. They took on an incredible challenge and in my book, got a first place!

Way to go guys!!!


He is faithful,
Bonnie

P.S. Mr Z's shop will never be the same..........he may be finding tools for the next few years!