Apurva Betgar is a freshmen on Dallas Formula Racing. After passing by the shop and walking in out of curiosity, Apurva has found her place on the team as the Chief Engineer of the 2019 Rebuild Project that is currently underway. While she focuses a lot of her efforts towards being Chief Engineer, she also dedicates a lot of time to powertrain, as she follows her passion to learn more about the technical aspects of building a car. Apurva will segue into becoming Powertrain Co-Lead after she wraps up the 2019 Vehicle Rebuild,
Despite only being a freshman, she’s pushed past a lot of intimidation that she’s faced and taken a lot of initiative to get involved.
One thing that helped her find success on the team? “Trying everything,” she says.
She stuck around and helped out wherever she could, whether it was powertrain, aerodynamics, or electrical harnesses – every challenge was an opportunity for her to learn. She points to the team, thanking them for being so welcoming and encouraging her to be the best engineer she can be.
Apurva ath Richardson’s 51st annual Christmas Parade. She sits in the car, smiling and waving at parade attendees.
“The team is more than just building a racecar. It’s about building a team. It’s about working together, pushing through late-night composite stretches, and fixing the engine at the last minute.
That’s what makes this team possible.”
Being on the team is more than “what do you do on this team” and “what have you learned” but instead it’s about “who are you as a person,” she says. She loves the people and values of everyone on the team and that we are all working towards the same goal, no matter their background and position on the team.
There are a lot of mechanical engineering-based concepts that the team readily incorporates into their designs and reviews. As a Computer Engineering major, these topics aren’t covered in her classes, so as a result, she’s spent a lot of time getting her hands dirty and learning more about fundamental mechanical engineering topics.
What is it like not being a Mechanical Engineer?
Being a non-MechE is “not a make or break” for finding success on the team, she says, citing all of the time and energy she has spent learning new concepts. She also points to the team’s continuous support and willingness to teach her everything she needs to know.
Apurva welding the steering column mount on the 2019 car. The single double U joint for steering was at an exact 90-degree angle. To prevent the U joint from locking up, this angle was adjusted to an angle greater than 90, the mount was moved forward, cut nd finally welded in.
She thanks many of her friends and mentors on the team for their constant support. She thanks Brandon, for teaching her about engines and appreciates his constant willingness to support and teach. She truly admires Ryan’s work ethic and professionalism and works to incorporate this into her projects. Finally, she thanks Grant and Rayyan for always answering all her questions and for always talking through her discussions.
Apurva has set such an amazing example for the team with the passion and dedication she’s shown over the past few months. Her hard work and dedication embodies what the team has to offer and serves as an inspiration to all.
We are so proud of everything Apurva has accomplished thus far and cannot wait to see all of her successes on the team and beyond.
To learn more about the work Apurva does for the team or to join one of her future projects, you can contact her at apurva.betgar@utdallas.edu.
I give the whole Team a High Five. I have seen several chassis’s built over the past few years and I am impressed with the work that has been accomplished. Everyone has a Winning Attitude and I personally want to say GREAT JOB. I believe that everyone is prepared for this and I wish you all the best of luck in competition. YOU GOT THIS !!!