Meduso Racing Team 2018

Our Story:

The journey for shell eco-marathon started on June 2018 just after the college reopened when one of the team members presented about the famed event ‘Shell ECO Marathon’ coming to India for the first time. We all had a certain idea of what this event was all about, but the more we learned about it, the more we wanted to be a part of it. We understood how this wasn’t just a race. It was a promise to sustainability. And to think that we were part of something so big was a driving force throughout our experience as a team.How will we make it work if we DID participate? Fact was, most of the team comprised of newbies. Students that had no prior experience. Maybe 2-3 of us did have experience, mostly in go-karting. The few that did, knew the basic mechanisms involved in designing and fabricating the components of a vehicle. The ability to communicate ideas and innovations was key to putting everyone to work. Working together was the only way to go. Everyone knew what they had to do.Some would procure materials, using navigational skills, studying the marketplace, contacting dealers, making payments, making sure work would never halt due to insufficient tools or components. It isn’t easy to ensure that we get everything the team needs in stipulated time,especially in a crowded city like Bangalore, where each town has its own specialized marketplaces.From composite material suppliers, to FRP manufacturers, understanding our suppliers and negotiating was a skill to be mastered.Some would market. The ones that know how to sell an idea. This team understands the selling
points of our team. They can convince you that they have what it takes to make a difference. It’s only because they believe that they do. It wasn’t as physical as the others. But it was demanding.Contacting sponsors, arranging meetings, talking through, making arrangements, fulfilling expectations.Marketing wasn’t limited to our sponsors, this team also handled all social media accounts, making
sure everyone knew exactly what the Shell Eco-Marathon was all about. The significance of this event was shared with people across cities and states. Young or old. From putting up banners, to talking about it in public forums, to sharing our page with the students of the university, we were successful in spreading the word. This event was about to make a change, and we sure as hell wanted everyone to be a part of it in any small way.Designs were carried out by an innovative and inquisitive member of our team. Understanding the requirements of the vehicle was a job for all, but for this particular individual, it was the mantra.Open to suggestions from every member, he was able to put together an optimized design that took care of minute details, using well thought out personalized mechanisms.Fabrication being the most physical task, required the most involvement from all the team members.Even the faculty advisor pitched in, participating in humbling tasks. No one hesitated when it came
to being involved. From fabricating the mould for the shell, to cutting pipes, welding, engine configuration, and assembly, everyone had a hand in the process of manufacturing the prototype vehicle.