Baja Basics
What does "SAE" stand for?
Society of Automotive Engineers
What is the displacement of the engine?
Engine displacement refers to the total volume of air and fuel that an engine's cylinders can intake
429 Cubic Centimeters
What is the most commonly used material for Baja SAE frames?
4130 Chromoly steel
What is the longest event in a Baja SAE competition?
Endurance race – 4 hours
What university has won multiple Baja SAE championships and is known for its strong program?
Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT
Where does "Baja Racing" get its name?
Baja racing, particularly the Baja 1000, got its name from the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, where the first off-road races were held.
What component must be visible to verify driver safety compliance?
Kill switch & brake light
What is the main advantage of using a CVT over a fixed-gear transmission?
Continuous peak power delivery & no shifting
What event tests a vehicle’s ability to accelerate from a standstill?
Acceleration test
Which country outside the U.S. has some of the most competitive Baja teams?
Brazil – strong engineering programs & competitive teams
What type of engine is used in all Baja SAE vehicles?
Kohler CH440 with Baja SAE restriction plate
What is the required minimum ground clearance for all Baja SAE vehicles?
No official minimum, but teams aim for at least 8 inches for performance.
What part of the car is responsible for transferring power from the CVT to the wheels?
Drive shaft/differential
What type of test evaluates a Baja car’s ability to traverse obstacles?
Suspension & traction test
What school is known for its historically dominant Baja SAE program on the West Coast?
Oregon State University – OSU
What does "CVT" stand for, a common drivetrain choice in Baja SAE?
Continuously Variable Transmission
What safety device must be attached to the driver’s wrist while driving?
Tethered kill switch lanyard
What is one key advantage of an independent rear suspension over a solid axle?
Better traction & improved ride quality on rough terrain
What event requires teams to present their design and justify engineering choices?
Design presentation
Which Baja SAE team from Mexico has won several international events?
Universidad La Salle – ULSA
What year was the first official Baja SAE competition held?
1976
What does the driver wear during a race?
Fire resistant suit, helmet, gloves, leather/ fire resistant shoes.
What key factor is considered when designing a lightweight yet strong Baja frame?
Optimized tubing diameter & wall thickness for weight reduction & crash safety
In what report do teams simulate the cost of manufacturing their vehicle?
Cost report
Which Canadian university consistently ranks in the top teams at Baja SAE competitions?
École de Technologie Supérieure – ETS