The Society of Automotive Engineering Baja team won the Midwest Mini Baja championship and continued its success. The impressive and talented five-member group traveled to Waukesha, Wisconsin on May 30th through June 2nd, competed against 108 teams, and returned to Akron with another first place finish. The squad, whose members include Jeff DeWitt, Matt Lux, Bill Gross, Jared Utz, and team captain, Zach Utz, had a flawless run for the title.

Advisor, Dr. Richard Gross attributes the Midwest Mini Baja title to a previous contest. The team traveled to Logan, Utah on April 24th and successfully finished 27th out of 101 teams in the West Mini Baja. During the competition, the fabulous five rebounded from a mechanics malfunction and responded remarkably. After the West experience, the team was prepared, organized, and confident traveling to Waukesha. Each team member efficiently maintained a role in the first place win and showed no signs of being overmatched in the twelve to fifteen team member competition.

The 2002 Midwest Mini Baja win adds to the accomplishments of a program that has dominated in competitions over the years and well deserved recognition was a featured special on Channel 23 on June 5th. Funds permitting, the Mini Baja team looks to compete in Korea in August, or in South Africa in October.