“All who have accomplished great things had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high. One which sometimes seemed impossible”

Formula Student Germany, an international race car design competition became a dream destination for Orion Racing in 2006.
The dream that seemed out of proportion and irrational
because the facts said:

1) No Indian team had ever participated in the Formula Student Germany.

2) We as average engineering students did not have enough resources, knowledge and experience that are required.

3) The only advice given to us by numerous people was that the idea was too “far-fetched”.

Fueled with adrenalin began the weekly meetings in the January of 2006 where ideas were put forward and trashed out and reports of other teams were studied. Things seemed to be wavering for a short while but then with help from our college things began to channelize.

Primarily, the major issue that the team faced was setting up a workshop, which was grateful1y sorted out with our college providing us a good workspace. The space was enormous enough to cater to our need like holding team meetings, installing workbenches and machines, good storage space and space to work on 2 cars simultaneously.

The other major issue that the team faced was that of the massive funds required. The team came up with detail technical and non technical reports.

As a marketing strategy and team building exercise, Orion Racing also came out with prototype car B-150,
which was partly funded by the team members and partly by our first sponsor Ankur shah.

We got technical guidance from Timothy Lewis and Ankur for completing this car successfully.

This made a positive impression on our col1ege trustee Mr. Sameer Somaiya who got us in touch with HONDA SIEL CARS INDIA LIMITED, our first major sponsor.

Thereafter the road to Germany was clear for us and our dream seemed possible.

The Team was divided system wise, worked with tremendous
determination towards the goal of completing the car which would go to Germany in August 2007. The team made use of software like Catia and Ansys for design and analysis.

With a lot of sponsorship coming in kind, we got our manufacturing and assemblies done.

On 20th of July the Baracuda 600 was
unveiled. Our engine was roaring and eager to face
competition in Germany. For the team this was a great victory in itself. We were also featured in various newspapers and news channels for accomplishing such a grand
feat.

On 31st of July the team and B-600 left for Germany. orion Racing was hosted by Karlsruhe university in Germany.

The competition started off well with the car performing satisfactorily for the static events.

Lack of experience, certain safety related
issues and an unavoidable technical glitch became a barrier for us from entering the dynamic events
However, after spending sleepless nights and doing persistent hard work our team was successfully
scrutinized and ready for the dynamics events. we were late in the end, but the knowledge and experience the team gained is priceless.”