Turns out, counting on my fingers, I’ve been with DIAN Racing for almost two years now.
Beginning
Back in 2012, when I was in my final year of high school, I first heard about this magical thing called Formula Student from two senior students who came to hype us up. As someone obsessed with racing since childhood, my eyes lit up. I couldn’t wait to throw myself into this “great cause” that haunted my dreams and made my adrenaline surge. I still remember them telling me that a wind tunnel would be available to use; it’s just that, so far, I haven’t actually stepped inside one even once.
Freshman year, I somehow forgot all about it, otherwise I would now be considered a three-time veteran, haha. By chance, near the end of my freshman year, I happened to see a promotional poster for the electric racing team somewhere. The flame in my heart reignited. Since I’d be moving to the Jiading campus as a sophomore anyway, I thought I might as well give it a shot.
Development
Sometimes we think it’s just coincidence, but actually, it’s fate. As long as you carry a wish in your heart, no matter how crazy it is, you have to try to get close to it.
These two years, I’ve been scrapping and grinding in the chassis and frame group: cut steel tubes, welded the frame, sliced mounting tabs, removed the bodywork, familiarized myself with CATIA, mastered ANSYS (may not be entirely true), secured sponsors, worked on ergonomics, fronted quite a bit of money… Now I just want to quietly be a good driver.
Turn
Now let me brag a bit. Feel free to skip this part if it bothers you:
The competitive pressure in the driver group was immense. At this time last year, I was still unknown and had no real opportunities. I felt utterly despondent and even started doubting my life. Then, another serendipitous coincidence: having only driven a fast car once, I was honored to have the chance to compete in the last preliminary round of Racing Star. Unfortunately, that weekend went terribly wrong, and the final result was a DNF… However, probably because my karma was just too good, I, dead last in the preliminaries, got a substitute spot to compete in the finals, racing on the same track as outstanding young drivers from all over the country. (By age, I’m way older than you; by driving skill, well… it was only my third time driving, please go easy on me.) In the end, although I finished 13th, I set the fastest lap in team history (everyone’s welcome to break it). After that, I became a key cultivation target. Our team truly only looks at results, after all.
Conclusion
Actually, I’m not particularly incredible. I just have a tiny bit of talent, a slightly better feel for the car than the average person, and I seized an opportunity to showcase myself. “None of us are supermen. Anyone can defeat all opponents, provided they are in the right car at the right time.”
Last year’s China competition was my first time truly experiencing the racing atmosphere. Watching the veteran drivers’ exquisite skill, I really had to admit I was far behind. I remember at the awards ceremony, a teammate beside me said, “Train hard, and next year you’ll be the one standing up there.” Instantly, I felt a huge amount of pressure. In the blink of an eye, “next year” has become this year. I’ve also transitioned from a cultivation target to half a main driver. The Japan competition is just around the corner. All I can do is keep a calm mindset, seize the time to get in sync with my DRe16, and not betray everyone’s trust in me.
You guys focus on building the car well, and I will unleash all her energy. (Ah, still so nervous.)
Finally
Just realized I forgot to introduce myself.
Name: Jiang Tao Year: 2013 Cohort Major: Software Engineering Special Skill: Below the waist
