New Jersey Institute of Technology® Highlander Racing
Newark, New Jersey
Team T-shirts drive awareness for student racing club
Highlander Racing opens in new window is a student-run organization at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Members compete in Baja SAE, an international collegiate design competition. Each year, the students design, build, test and race a single-seat off-road vehicle that’s engineered to withstand harsh terrain and rigorous performance challenges.
“We have roughly 80 students who come together twice a week. We’re set up in sub-teams, so there are groups dedicated to brakes, chassis, ergonomics, drivetrain, suspension, steering and electrical,” said Samantha Montalbine, a senior mechanical engineering major and executive board member. “While most of our members are engineering students, our team is open to anyone interested in working on our car, whether it be mechanically, electrically or on the business side.”
Unforgettable experiences
The students work throughout the academic year to prepare the vehicle for national competitions that draw about 100 teams from across the nation. This year’s group traveled for competitions in Washington and New York. Teams compete in a range of categories, including vehicle acceleration, maneuverability and endurance, as well as business presentations, cost evaluation and technical inspection.
Beyond the rich educational experiences, Montalbine said the club fosters a sense of community that’s just as impactful. “Something that’s made me really happy over my three years with the team is that I’ve gotten to meet some of my lifelong friends. They are people I never would have met in classes because they’re in different years or different majors,” she said. “We’ve had students majoring in physics, architecture, biology, digital design and more take part because they’re interested. I think that’s the beauty of it.”
Points of pride
A one by one grant provided branded T-shirts opens in new window students proudly wear at competitions, recruiting events and around campus. This spring, they were worn while tabling at the New York International Auto Show®.
The team T-shirts feature the Highlander Racing logo on the front and nearly 20 sponsor logos on the back. Montalbine said it was important to show appreciation to the sponsors who’ve invested in the club. Those recognizable brand names give the students added credibility. “Highlighting the sponsors opens so many doors that might not have been open before,” she said. “Not everyone is familiar with Baja SAE, but when people conducting job interviews see all the companies we work with as students, they see that our members have experience on another level.”
A note from Cheryl
New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Highlander Racing is helping train the next generation of mechanics, engineers and auto-industry leaders. We were thrilled to support this club by providing team T-shirts the students can wear with pride for years to come. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com opens in new window.
All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.
For more information about New Jersey Institute of Technology® Highlander Racing, please visit https://baja.njit.edu/ opens in new window