Zoom, zoom zoomie! - Air Force cadets make up the Silver Bullet racing team

Airman, Sept, 2001 by Tech. Sgt. John Lasky

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo -- Zoom, zoom, zoom! Air Force cadets are moving fast at the academy. Not just in class but in the cockpit. However, this cockpit isn't in a jet; it's in a formula racing car.

Thirteen students make up "The Silver Bullet" racing team. Reaching their dreams has taken one lap at a time as they zoomed around the field house parking lot.

At the end of a dark, underground parking garage is a small auto mechanic shop where the cadets' dreams were built as they put the, finishing touches on their mini-formula car. It may look small, but it moves like it has afterburners. The car aptly represents the team name, although the body has yet to be added to the frame. A silver metal tube frame provided its structure, while a 105-horsepower engine provided thrust.

Last year the car was just a concept on the computer. Twelve engineering cadets joined with an accomplished welder majoring in management to design and build it. Two semesters and most of their meager $15,000 budget were used to move the project from screen to asphalt.

Nearing completion, the students felt confident about taking it to Detroit in May to compete against students from 120 international universities at the 2001 Society of Automotive Engineers competition. Cars were judged on static inspection and engineering design, solo performance trials and high-performance track endurance. Not only did The Silver Bullet have to compete against other cars, but the ultimate goal was for the project to get an "A."

Their entry performed well in the categories, placing 13th in the marketing and sales presentation. Their points total just prior to the track endurance race looked to have them finish in an enviable position, but a minor discrepancy was sighted during the race by one of three safety inspectors -- the car began smoking and was disqualified. But the students participating for course credit received their "A's."