Since the 1980s, numerous New Mexico State University students have raced and competed to capture checkered flags for NMSU’s Society of Automotive Engineers Mini Baja team. The organization offers students a chance to learn how to design, manufacture, build and race a four-wheel drive, off-roading vehicle every year to participate at the SAE International Design Competition.

The public will have a chance to meet NMSU Mini Baja team members, see the cars on display and discuss the program during NMSU Mini Baja Night Saturday, April 29 at the Vado Speedway Park, 15900 Stern Dr., in Vado, New Mexico. Gates opens at 5 p.m. and racing begins at 7:30 p.m. Discounted general admission tickets will be available for $5 for NMSU students, faculty and staff with a valid NMSU ID. 

During intermission, team members will parade the cars around the racetrack and drive them up to the victory podium to talk to the crowd. 

“Every year, after we get back from the competition, we decal the cars for breast cancer awareness and let cancer survivors drive them in the NMSU Homecoming parade,” said Ken Ruble, Aggie Innovation Space shop operations manager and adviser to the SAE student organization. 

Following the races, spectators can visit the pit area, and Ruble plans to host a barbecue for the NMSU community.

The NMSU Mini Baja team is open to students of all majors, and its mission is to help students learn how to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations and to provide students with the resources and opportunities to work in the engineering field following the experience they will gain from the NMSU Mini Baja team.

To learn more about the NMSU Mini Baja team, follow  @NMSUBaja on Instagram.