The year 2024 was a milestone: more members than ever before, new faces full of energy and ambition. Originally, DR-04 was meant to make its debut in Austria. But sometimes, even the most calculated timelines slip through your fingers. Due to delays in the build, the spotlight shifted, and the Czech competition became our main stage.
We knew it wouldn’t be easy. So we got organized. Camp life was planned with military precision—access to the pit was restricted, conduct rules were laid out, and every role was clearly defined. The goal: keep the chaos controlled, the minds focused, and the team united.
Against the Clock
Although we were under a lot of pressure, we managed to finish the car in time. We installed safety systems, polished the livery, and prepared the hybrid system—though it didn’t make the final cut due to functionality issues. We made the difficult decision to remove it to ensure we could pass inspection. And then, the real tests began.
Trials & Tools
Mechanical inspection revealed two critical issues. Our roll hoop sat too low, and the pedal position forced the driver into a posture that didn't meet safety standards. It would’ve been easy to panic. But instead, we problem-solved. For hours. Over and over again. Until finally, with pedals repositioned and backs aching, we passed.
Static events gave us room to breathe. Our presentations landed well, and even though the hybrid system didn’t race, it earned recognition in our engineering discussions. It was a quiet win—a reminder that what you build still matters, even if it doesn’t roll onto the track.
The Heartbeat of Competition
Dynamic day arrived with all its pressure. And it didn’t go as planned. The brake test revealed a stubborn flaw: not all four wheels would lock. It was a showstopper—until it wasn’t. A quick software tweak, a bold move to increase entry speed before braking, and somehow, we pulled it off. Passed. But time was not our ally. We missed the acceleration event entirely. And in the endurance race—our final chance to make an impact — we were disqualified mid-way. Not for a technical error, but because our driver’s helmet slightly exceeded the permitted safety envelope. Margins matter. And this time, they beat us.
And Yet…
Despite the setbacks, we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. The memories we built in those few days can’t be measured in points or laps. DR-04 may not have crossed every finish line, but it carried with it the spirit of everyone who built it, piece by piece. And as we look ahead, one thing is certain—we're just getting started.
