Baja NOW RACE DAY - Blizzard Baja 2019: February 16, 2019

Last weekend, the Iowa Baja team traveled to Houghton, Michigan to compete at MTU Blizzard Baja, a competition on a track carved in snow on the campus of Michigan Technical University. Blizzard Baja is a unique race due to its location in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With an average snowfall of over 18 feet, the freezing terrain is a grueling test for the vehicles and members of each Baja team. Since 1981, Blizzard Baja has grown to a race where more than 20 universities compete with over 50 cars. The 1 Mile track is designed by members of Michigan Tech's Baja team to test vehicles to their limits in the frigid, near Canadian climate. 

This year was one of the best performances by Iowa Baja in our history of attending Blizzard Baja. Our 3 Vehicles, 48, 88, and The Patriot,  qualified in the 1st, 2nd and 5th positions for the 4-hour endurance race. The race itself certainly was dramatic with issues ranging from a broken transponder on Car #88 to a snapped output shaft on Car #48. The pinnacle of the competition, however, was at the post-race awards ceremony when the announcer awarded The Patriot 1st overall! We completed over 60 laps, beating the second-place team by over 6 laps! We happily returned to Iowa City later that day with the overall winner's trophy and one for being quickest during Qualifying.