Laker Racing heads to the Motor City for Michigan Central Race Days

This January, Formula 1 racing is taking over Michigan Central in Detroit for the Michigan Central Race Days event . The event will feature exhibitions of Ford racing vehicles, simulators, youth experiences and vehicle exhibitions from Michigan universities, including Grand Valley's Laker Racing Team.

The GVSU Formula SAE Laker Racing Club's Formula 1 car, the "LR25," will be on display at Michigan Central during the festivities from January 18-25. On the Saturdays and Sundays of the exhibition, faculty advisor Nicholas Baine and multiple team members will be present to discuss their car with event attendees.

"Being able to represent our team and GVSU at such a high-profile event is a unique experience," said Grant Hayford, team vice president. "We are excited to showcase our car to automotive professionals and the community."

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In October, GVSU announced a partnership with Michigan Central , which included the integration of Grand Valley students, faculty and adult learners into the Michigan Central ecosystem. Bringing the club from the Padnos College of Engineering on-site to Michigan Central aims to support the alliance's mission to create accessible pathways that connect Detroiters to emerging careers and future industries.

The LR 25 was designed and assembled completely by the Laker Racing Club. The car competed in a Formula SAE competition at Michigan International Speedway in May. The team was in the process of disassembling the vehicle when the opportunity to present at Michigan Central Race Days presented itself.

Hayford said it was a great opportunity to attend, and the team quickly got to work reassembling the LR 25.

Baine emphasized the team's excitement.

"Every student in the Laker Racing Club is a motorsports fan and the opportunity to have their vehicle displayed alongside Formula 1 and other professional teams is not only a dream come true but is also a great reflection on the Padnos College of Engineering and GVSU," said Baine.