FSAE AUS 2004

2004 saw Mark Hester become Chief Engineer with the role of team leader shared amongst Patrick Drum, Kim Sheed, Daniel Walter, Shiraz Master, Michael Clarkson and Dean Cowling.  The 2004 team decided to stick with the proven design concept of 2003, utilizing the Yamaha WR450 single cylinder engine and 10 inch rims.

The team constructed RMIT Racing's first ever carbon fibre monoque chassis along with a new suspension package.  This was designed to change from a pull to push-rod setup using Penski shock absorbers.  At competition, the car weighed a mere 180 kilograms, making the R04 chassis the lightest running car at the FSAE-A Competition.

First day of the competition saw R04 fail the noise test miserably.  But with some hard work from key members overnight, the car was ready to move onto the next day's events within the specified noise level.

RMIT Racing placed first in the Presentation Event, and scored a third place in the Cost Event.  The Autocross Event saw RMIT Racing place a very close second to The University of Wollongong. However, technical difficulties saw the team finish outside the podium positions in the Endurance Event.  The team went on to finish in second position in the competition overall, a mere 15 points behind the University of Wollongong, with the University of Western Australia a very close 1.5 points behind in third.