U AIR FORCE ACADEMY.

U AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo -- Zoom zoom zoom! Air Force cadets are moving fast at the academy. Not just in class yet in the cockpit. However, this cockpit isn't in a jet; it's in a formula racing car.

Thirteen scholars make up "The Silver Bullet" racing team. Reaching their dreams has taken united lap at a time as they zoom around the field house parking lot

At the fall of the curtain of a dark, underground parking garage is a small auto mechanic store where the cadets' dreams were built as they deposit the, finishing touches on their mini-formula car. It may examine small, but it moves like it has afterburners. The car aptly exhibits the team name, although the dead body has yet to be added to the frame. A silver metal tube frame provided its form while a 105-horsepower engine provided thrust.

Last year the car was just a universal on the computer. Twelve engineering cadets joined with an accomplished welder majoring in management to design and build it. couple semesters and most of their meager $15000 package were used to move the concoct from screen to asphalt.

Nearing completion, the pupils felt confident about taking it to Detroit in May to strive against students from 120 international universities at the 2001 Society of Automotive Engineers competition. Cars were judg in succession static inspection and engineering design, solo performance trials and high-performance track endurance. Not merely did The Silver Bullet have to struggle against other cars, but the ultimate goal was for the throw to get an "A."

Their memorandum performed well in the categories, placing 13th in the marketing and sales presentation. Their points total just prior to the track endurance race apply the minded to have them finish in an enviable position, however a minor discrepancy was sighted during the race through one of three safety inspectors -- the car began smoking and was disqualified. yet the students participating for course credit received their "A's."

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