When RJ Kromer first stepped onto the Ohio State University campus in first grade, he didn't expect to find himself in a science lab. One day, while skipping math class, he stumbled upon an advertisement for a student-led engineering team working on a fuel-powered electric car. He had previously spent his time assembling LEGO robots, but something about this project caught his attention. Without hesitation, he sent an email applying to join. To his surprise, the team responded quickly. "I thought there would be some requirements," Kromer recalled. "But they just said, 'Come.'" So, Kromer joined the Buckeye Bullet team at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). What he found was a group of students with big dreams and a childish enthusiasm. The team had already set multiple world records with their hydrogen and electric vehicles. At first, Kromer was assigned basic tasks—organizing tools, cleaning the workshop, and learning the basics of circuits and control systems. But soon, he realized that what he learned in the lab was more valuable than what he was getting in class. By his second year, Kromer was handling electrical engineering tasks. “If you can’t sleep, you learn fast,†he said. The team thrived on long hours, often working until dawn in their 30-foot-high garage. While other students were out partying, they were cutting metal, testing batteries, and designing suspension systems. It wasn’t just about speed—it was about pushing boundaries. The Buckeye Bullet team has always been known for its unconventional approach. David Cooke, the team leader, was once a freshman who got involved by accident. Evan Maley, another member, was a high school student fascinated by high-speed cars. Their success came not from intelligence alone, but from initiative and passion. The team values drive over IQ, and Kromer’s late-night work ethic became a signature of the group. In 2008, the team's hydrogen fuel cell car reached 286 mph. Two years later, they converted it into an electric vehicle that broke the 300 mph barrier. This year, they aimed even higher: 400 mph. “The jump from 300 to 400 is huge,†Cooke said. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially, and the car needs more power, more batteries, and stronger tires. It’s a challenge that even seasoned engineers find daunting. The Past and Present of Electric Speed Cars In 1993, Giorgio Rizzoni founded the first student team to compete in an electric car race. They built a car called Smokin’ Buckeye, which dominated the competition. However, the event was eventually canceled, and Rizzoni thought the project might end. But two students convinced him otherwise—they had secured a sponsorship and wanted to build the fastest electric car ever. Over the next decade, the team built three record-breaking cars. Rizzoni never doubted their ambition or capability. When Cooke and his team aimed for 400 mph, they knew they’d need support. They turned to Gildo Pallanca Pastor, a Monaco-based entrepreneur and Venturi Automobiles owner. He had been following the team for years and signed a sponsorship deal in 2010 to help them reach their goal. In 2012, the team unveiled the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3 (VBB3), a 38-foot, four-wheel-drive electric car. With four motors producing 1,600 horsepower, it was designed to break the 400 mph barrier. But the real challenge wasn’t just power—it was aerodynamics, battery efficiency, and safety. Wang Ling, an aerodynamics expert, worked on optimizing the car’s shape to reduce drag. Every part had to be perfect. Meanwhile, Cook focused on the battery system, testing advanced lithium iron phosphate cells from A123 Systems. The design saved space and weight, making the car faster and more efficient. Safety was also a priority. The driver, Roger Schroer, needed protection against high-speed instability. The team added parachutes, aircraft brakes, and a reinforced rear wing. But balancing performance with safety was a constant struggle. Test Drive Countdown As the team prepared for their final test run, challenges remained. A123 went bankrupt, but a former team member helped deliver critical parts. The motor was redesigned to handle heat better, and the suspension was optimized for stability. Despite setbacks, the team stayed focused. “We’ve learned that we can’t give up easily,†Cook said. “We keep looking for solutions.†The team’s journey was more than just a race—it was a lesson in perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. Today, many of these students have gone on to become leaders in automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. For Kromer, joining the team was a life-changing decision. “I learned more here than in class,†he said. “It’s not just about speed—it’s about pushing limits and building something unforgettable.†Petrochemical Pump,Petrochemical Process Pump,Petrochemical Centrifugal Pump,Petrochemical Industry Pump Shenyang pump products sales co., LTD , https://www.syipsc.com