Chassis & Controls Team Spotlight
This week, we sat down with Tanner Oseen, lead of the Chassis & Controls sub-team, to learn more about their progress, upcoming goals, and what's next for the team as we move through the year. The Chassis & Controls sub team is responsible for designing the space frame chassis, steering and brake system, along with drivers interface concerning driver’s ergonomics and safety.
Ultimately, their work defines the car's structure, forming the building block for everything else, and how it feels in the driver’s hand. The sub-team takes ownership of the frame and other components, from the CAD modelling to physical assembly, collaborating closely with other sub-teams such as suspension and drivetrain to ensure components fit, function and perform well.
The Chassis & Control sub-team is currently in the design phase as they are preparing for several important milestones:
End of October- Frame design finalized
November 14- Safety document (SES) submission for competition
January 12- Electric competition safety
Following the success of the first design review, the team is now working towards the second review which will present a more concrete version as they continue to test materials and confirm final specifications.
Currently, the team is refining design elements while ensuring compliance with all competition rules. Collaboration and communication is key: each Thursday, members create and present their own progress slides outlining their current tasks, needs, and next steps. This keeps everyone aligned, in tune, and accountable as they steadily move towards different deadlines. Tanner emphasizes the importance of proactive communication, “We figure things out together, communicate, stay proactive, and adjust.”
When it comes to balancing quality and speed, Tanner expressed that consistency and rule compliance is key, “Our goal is to get through the technical inspections quickly and focus on reliability and safety.” The team draws from last year’s proven designs to save time while integrating improvements to enhance performance.”
Looking ahead, Tanner shared that one of the most rewarding parts of leading the sub-team is mentoring; passing on technical knowledge and supporting new members. The goal is to finish all major design work before the holiday break which ensures for a smooth transition into manufacturing early 2026.
With strong teamwork, accountability, and a drive for excellence, the Chassis & Controls sub-team is well on their way to deliver another high performing, reliable build for the next competition season.