Carmaker puts students on fast track
A New Zealand-based track car company is supporting a group of students chasing motorsport success after strengthening its partnership with the University of Canterbury.
Rodin Cars, based in Mount Lyford, provides technical support and solutions to the University of Canterbury Motorsport (UCM) team, which has developed a “Baby Rodin” for the National Motorsport Programme.
David Dicker, company founder and chief executive officer, says with many of his staff graduates of the university it is a natural fit to help the team by providing access to its world-class facilities.
“Not only it is a way for Rodin Cars to give back to UCM, but it also demonstrates the type of career available to graduates,” he adds.
The Baby Rodin is powered by a 97kW, 675cc Triumph Daytona three-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox and limited-slip differential.
Based around a carbon fibre monocoque, the car weighs 230kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 422kW/tonne, which is almost the same as for the million-dollar Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
The National Motorsport Programme will see the vehicle compete at high-profile events such as the Leadfoot Festival and Waimate 50 Motorsport Festival.
Jared Parker, programme team manager and current driver, says the partnership has been vital in building a competitive race package.
He notes: “From designing the cars where we have had technical support from Rodin Cars’ engineers, to building the cars with access to the Rodin Cars’ autoclave, plastics and metal 3D printers, and finally to having access to Rodin Cars’ test circuits. We wouldn't be where we are today without them.”
The relationship between Rodin Cars and the university dates back many years and has included sponsorships, educational workshops and engineering partnerships.
Dicker says he wanted to take a fresh approach when he established Rodin and not just hire those already with motorsport experience.
“I’ve always felt that if you’ve been doing something for a long time, you’ll only know how to do things one way,” he explains.
“With Rodin Cars, I wanted to push the boundaries and not just follow what’s already been done. That’s why we’ve had a long-standing association with the University of Canterbury and its motorsport team. Pushing the boundaries is about fresh ideas.”
To compete in the National Motorsport Programme and in order to meet the standard required by MotorSport New Zealand, the original Formula SAE racer has undergone modifications and improvements with the help of the Rodin team.
It will compete at street sprints, local autocross events and selected sealed hillclimbs around New Zealand, with its next outing at the Canterbury Car Club Autocross at Ruapuna Motorsport Park, Christchurch, on June 26.
