(April 2007) The snowmobile manufacturers (Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha) were again gold sponsors of the internationally recognized SAE Snowmobile Challenge. The 2007 SAE Challenge (the eighth annual) was a huge success.

There were over 130 students participating from 14 different Universities from across the United States and Canada. They convened in Houghton, MI at the Keweenaw Research Center, which is affiliated with Michigan Technological University to show off 8 months of hard work. The young engineering students were enthusiastic and presented different solutions on how to build and improve a snowmobile.

The University-sponsored snowmobiles competed in numerous, strenuous events. The vehicles had to complete a 100-mile endurance run and were checked for fuel economy. There was stringent testing of handling characteristics on a specially designed Keweenaw Research Center course. Vehicles were tested for noise, emissions, rider comfort and various subjective handling events during the event.

The tests also measured the shock vibration transmitted to the driver as the sled negotiated a bump course. Vehicles were tested for curb appeal and each of the groups made presentations to industry professionals, who served as judges.

First place overall went to the University of Idaho. Second place in a tie went to the University of Maine and Kettering University in Flint, MI.

The four snowmobile manufacturers participated in the event and supported the young engineers, eager to build knowledge and improve skills to boost their career success.

The event was well planned and managed by Michigan Tech University and the Keweenaw Research Center. The Society of Automotive Engineers has announced that Michigan Tech will coordinate the SAE Snowmobile Challenge event for 2008. For those University groups interested in participating in the event or getting more information about the event, they can contact Michigan Tech University at www.mtukrc.org and/or the SAE at www.sae.org.