McMaster Baja Racing was started in 2007 by a group of ambitious automotive enthusiasts that were the type of students that enjoyed retrofitting classic Dodge Vipers and putting supercharged V8s into Mini Coopers. They wanted to take the application of their studies to the final level in their final year and the rest is history. Encouraged and mentored by Professor Tim J. Nye, they designed, engineered, and built a single-seat, all-terrain sporting vehicle for the Mini Baja SAE competition. They achieved 49th place at the competition, which was quite an impressive feat for the small ragtag team’s first competition.
From its humble beginnings, McMaster Baja slowly grew into one of the most active and successful automotive engineering teams at the university. The team has grown larger and faced a lot of changes over the years, but the same passion and engineering spirit demonstrated by its founders continues.
2022
After 2 years of designing and working virtual, in 2022 we finally got back to the shop to finish our first 4WD vehicle! This was our first Baja SAE “Successful Design” and our highest ranking vehicle to date.
Results
2021
This year was during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though we did well in the virtual competitions, the team’s focus is on building cars, so we spent much of the year improving and preparing for next year’s design.
Results
2020
While this was going to be the most exciting year for the team with a mid-engine car and 4WD design, unfortunately the car was unable to be built due to COVID-19 BUT that didn’t stop us from placing the best we have ever done!
Results
2019
With switching from air shocks to coilovers, having a fully custom CVT, and a gung ho team, nothing could stop 2019! With black being the primary color, this car looked mean!
Results
2018
By far the shiniest car on the track when it comes to suspension! With modified 2016 frame, an all aluminum suspension again, and lighter drivetrain, this one could fly!
Results
2017
Emblazoned with the proud maple leaf to celebrate Canada’s 150th. True North Strong and Free! An amazing vehicle for the team’s 10th anniversary!
Results
2016
2016 became our most successful car yet! Don’t blink when you watch it because it is a speed devil! It’s chassis was fully optimized and refined, and built upon what the team had learned in the past.
Results
2015, Mad Max
While Mad Max ran the same steel front A-arms and aluminum rear semi-trailing links as Roxanne, it got a brand new chassis and a custom single speed double reduction gearbox. Mad Max also ran a Gaged CVT compared to years prior.
Results
2014, Roxanne V2
Some minor changes to the frame from last year, with now steel front A-arms. Another iteration for the chain case was also done.
Results
2013, Roxanne
Roxanne, a continuation of our improvements from the Trusty Rusty frame. We switched to an all aluminium semi-trailing link in the rear and A-arms in the front. First year with a custom chain case. Used a CVTech CVT.
Results
2012
Taking from Rusty’s design, 2012 used a lighter frame and rear suspension. Although Trusty Rusty was reliable, his weight slowed him down. 2012 met a terrible fate when a roll over caused the chassis tubing to bend violently inward. All functional parts were salvaged.
Results
2011, Trusty Rusty V2
The floats were removed after 2010 and what remained was a stable, reliable, yet rusty platform. The aluminum rear semi-trailing suspension used in Rusty became a recurrent theme for it’s simplicity in manufacture, and performance. We learned a lot from Rusty.
Results
2010, Trusty Rusty
Rightfully named Trusty Rusty, our first and last “float car”. The float mechanism was designed for pond crossing, a removed event from competitions. Contrary to the belief that cars can’t float, Trusty Rusty was capable of being buoyant and traversing large spans of water.
Results
2009
The design was entirely redone in 2009 to follow the Baja SAE competition rules changes. The chassis and suspension were made more rugged to avoid failure. The suspension involved a creative 2-link system utilizing RyfeFX Air Shocks.
Results
2008
The second iteration of a successful first design. Major design changes took place in the rear suspension in changing from an independent a-arm suspension to a 3 link suspension system.
Results
2007
McMaster University’s first entrance into Baja SAE! The car’s yellow painted body panels conceal front and rear double A-arm suspension systems. A lost relic of a gone era, the team constantly looks to it’s elders for inspiration and motivation.
Results