UTP Gears Up for Third Formula FIM Grand Prix, Blending Speed and Engineering

The Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) is igniting its Campus Central with the third Formula FIM UTP Grand Prix this Friday, transforming the university grounds into a vibrant center for collegiate motorsports. This event taps into Panama's growing motorshow enthusiasm, fueled by the local Autódromo de Panamá and the strong ties between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FIM) and the automotive industry.

Six student-led racing teams, Blackline Motorsport, EAL Racing Team, D'TRK Racing Team, BKT Racing Team, MEC Racing Team, and Midnight Club Racing Team, are set to compete fiercely on the "Circuito del Ñeque," located in front of the Research and Innovation Building (ELII). The challenge is comprehensive: student drivers from various UTP faculties are responsible for every stage of their go-karts, from initial design and fabrication to assembly, tuning, and rigorous testing, all while adhering to strict safety and performance standards.

Dr. Orlando Aguilar, Dean of FIM, emphasized the Grand Prix's role in bridging theory and practice. He explained that the competition allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges by racing vehicles they constructed themselves. The event is designed to cultivate innovative professionals, promote teamwork under pressure, and showcase the caliber of talent graduating from the university.

“

The Grand Prix turns theory into practice, allowing students to apply what they learned in the classroom while competing with vehicles they built themselves.

The FIM serves as the event's governing body, managing crucial aspects such as providing engines, parts, fuel, lubricants, and expert guidance, alongside establishing design regulations for each team. The university, in turn, provides the racing circuit and ensures comprehensive safety measures during both practice sessions and the main race.

This year's Grand Prix is particularly significant as it coincides with the 44th anniversary of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. It will also serve as the official launch for the 13th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering, reinforcing UTP's position as a national leader in technological and industrial innovation. With six custom-built prototypes ready to hit the track, the Formula FIM UTP Grand Prix demonstrates that a passion for speed at Panamanian universities is indeed engineered in the classroom.

“

After making history in Manchester, John Stones is ready for a new chapter at Inter.