On September 6th, 19 members of DIAN Racing returned with honors after successfully completing the 13th Student Formula Japan (JSAE). Over the five days from September 1st to 5th, the entire team gave their all, gathering in Shizuoka, Japan, alongside 90 Formula Student teams from nine countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Austria, and competing on equal terms with nine electric racing teams. Although they had been preparing continuously beforehand, different environments and regulations still presented numerous setbacks. In the end, DIAN Racing joined forces and worked together, relying on their own hard work to win the Rookie Award, 4th place in the Business Plan Presentation, and 5th overall in the Electric category.
Formula Student is a comprehensive student racing competition initiated by SAE International, providing hands-on practical experience and exchange opportunities for automotive engineering students worldwide. DIAN Racing is a young, all-electric Formula Student team from Tongji University, founded in 2012 and affiliated with the Innovation Base of the School of Automotive Studies. The general advisor is Prof. Zhang Tong, director of the New Energy Vehicle Engineering Center of Tongji University, and the current captain is Fei Juncong. Through this competition, DIAN Racing established good friendships with various well-known Japanese student teams and automakers, and further strengthened relationships with sponsors. The JSAE officials recognized and encouraged the rookie performance of DIAN Racing in Japan this year. We look forward to even better performances from DIAN Racing in future Formula Student competitions.
Pre-Competition – August 31st
DIAN Racing split into two groups traveling to Japan: the main force went directly to Shizuoka for preparation, and a separate group of three Business Department members joined later. The main force took a group photo upon arrival.
Group photo of the main force arriving at Shizuoka Airport, Japan
Opening ceremony grandstand at the competition venue
Day 1 – September 1st
No competition events on the first day, yet it was still a precious and tense day requiring the entire team to focus on inspections and preparations.
In the morning, team members went to the venue in batches and transported supplies. Due to voltage differences between China and Japan and customs clearance limitations, the car encountered some inconveniences. Thanks to Chroma for their help and support, and also gratitude to Chroma Japan for providing the charger and many other forms of assistance. The team methodically set up the pit, received the container, arranged tools, toolboxes, tents, etc., and finally unloaded the car for battery inspection, overall tuning, and bodywork checks. After completing part of the electrical tech inspection (first three pages), they debugged the car in the evening, returned to accommodations for a meeting on the next day’s arrangements, and held a mock presentation. The first day was a busy yet efficient one for all members.
Team members carefully inspecting various aspects of the car
Day 2 – September 2nd
The main task of the second day was to complete technical inspections. In the morning, the team completed the first seven pages of electrical tech inspection, and in the afternoon finished mechanical tech inspection, egress test, flag knowledge, weighing, and tilt table test.
Additionally, the main battlefield included static event presentations. The hard work from multiple mock sessions prior to the competition paid off – with solid preparation, their on-site performance was even better. At noon was the Business Plan Presentation defense; presenters Yin Jun and Shen Jiali cooperated seamlessly and delivered an excellent defense. The judges highly praised the team and offered some valuable suggestions. In the afternoon, the Design Event defense was held. After the Business Department arranged the display boards, technical team members carried materials together to the presentation venue. Under the scorching sun, their passion and drive burned just as brightly, and the team defended very seriously.
After completing all technical inspections in the afternoon, the electronic control group continued debugging the car, making the final efforts of the day. It was a day heavy with tasks, and the climate in Shizuoka was like a steamer, but all members forged ahead with their usual full commitment.
Team members heading to the inspection waiting area
Business Plan Presentation defense site, team members responding composedly
Team members defending the Design Event
Team members defending the Design Event
Team members defending the Design Event
Day 3 – September 3rd
After debugging the car in the morning, they pushed it to electrical tech inspection. The judges were extremely strict, meticulously checking page by page, line by line. Due to language barriers, communication was somewhat difficult; thanks to senior student Ding Lei, a Chinese student studying in Japan, for his assistance in translation, the team finally passed the electrical tech inspection near noon.
At 5 p.m. that day, static event results were announced. Around five, the notice board was already surrounded by crowds, resembling the scene of ancient imperial exam results being posted. The team was very pleasantly surprised to learn they had won 4th place in the Business Plan Presentation – one of the better results for a Chinese student team competing abroad in a static marketing presentation. The Design Event result was acceptable, with room for improvement.
The day was full of ups and downs, and even though the results were not entirely ideal, the team members truly gained a great deal.
Car undergoing rain test, passing successfully
Day 4 – September 4th
No competition events on this day. Besides inspecting the car and further understanding score details, the team also had valuable opportunities to communicate with sponsors and other teams present. They exchanged competition experiences with on-site sponsors and companies, receiving much support and encouragement. Staff from Chroma Japan visited the team, learned about the competition situation, and encouraged everyone not to be discouraged but to keep working hard. Team members showed Chroma Japan staff around the pit area.
Friendship first, competition second. No matter the results, learning during the competition is most important. Interaction with other participating teams felt like meeting kindred spirits and fellow students, and the eager exchanges were immensely beneficial.
The competition segment had come to an end for the team. In the evening, everyone gathered at an izakaya to reflect on the past competition days and to cheer each other on for the China competition. Participating members encouraged each other, thanking each other for their efforts, and hoping for improvements and a better performance at the China competition.
Group photo with participating teams
We visited Mitsubishi’s booth to exchange ideas and took a group photo
IGUS sponsored our bearings, and we expressed our gratitude to them
Full team group photo
Day 5 – September 5th
The final day of competition. The team opened up their pit, welcoming everyone present to come and talk. The distinct design style of our car, so different from Japanese electric vehicles, attracted many visitors who came specifically to see it. The team also handed out souvenirs and brochures. Members packed up items in the pit and arranged to ship Chroma’s equipment back. Thanks to all sponsors for their support in this competition, especially Chroma for their consistent assistance.
During the afternoon awards ceremony, captain Fei Juncong accepted the Rookie Award on stage, overjoying and energizing the team members.
Captain Fei Juncong receiving the award on stage
This was DIAN Racing’s first participation in a Japanese competition, and also the team’s first time competing abroad. On this occasion, DIAN Racing represented not only the image of Tongji University but also showcased the spirit of China’s new generation of automotive talent. The participating members certainly encountered many tense, unfamiliar, and bewildering moments, but they never felt dejected, disheartened, or lost their fighting spirit. Perhaps the competition results differed from the team’s expectations, but members were still exhilarated by the learning and exchanges during the competition. Even if things do not go entirely as hoped, we must seize every minute of the present to prepare for a better future.
All the growth, progress, and achievements DIAN Racing has made to date are inseparable from the help and support of Tongji University leaders, sponsor friends, mutual encouragement from other student teams, and the enthusiastic assistance of schoolmates. Sincere gratitude to all leaders, sponsors, comrades-in-arms, and students who have followed, supported, and encouraged DIAN Racing. With utmost sincerity, we express our deepest thanks to you all!
Realizing that the past cannot be undone, yet knowing that the future can be pursued. Currently, DIAN Racing is actively preparing for the Formula Student Electric China competition initiated by China Society of Automotive Engineers. We look forward to an even more stunning performance from DIAN Racing in the China competition this year.
DIAN Racing is about to set out again, returning with strength. We’ll see you on the track – we are always ready.
We have raced across the field, and we have also stood disappointed; We have been full of confidence, and we have also left with regrets; Countless days and nights, just to seize every second; We meet here, just to build dreams together; We fear no hardships, we fight with high spirits, full of hope! Leave tears to the past, send laughter to the future; Promises will be put into action, dreams will shine into reality; The new 2015 season, We are all geared up for a new journey.
What team? DIAN Racing!
DIAN Racing, Tongji University
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2015 Season Sponsors
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