Throughout the Quantum build cycle, U-M Solar has been partnering with Ricardo – a major engineering innovation and consulting company – to optimize various in-car systems. As a way of saying “Thank You”, the team recently made a unique installation in their lobby: Our 2005 national-champion vehicle, Momentum.

Momentum, our 2005 vehicle, on display in the lobby of Ricardo's Detroit Technical Campus

Momentum has resided in the team’s Ypsilanti workspace since its retirement in 2006. However, when the team moved back onto campus in Ann Arbor, Momentum was left in limbo with no permanent place to go. Until such a long-term resting place can be found (most of our championship vehicles go to museums), we decided to offer it to Ricardo. After the suspension was reassembled by several members of the mechanical division, Momentum was loaded up into a trailer and pulled out to the expansive Technical Center in Van Buren Township (about 12 miles East of Ann Arbor). The staff were very excited to have the vehicle (and its associated championship travel trophy) on-site, and it became quite the conversation piece even before we left.

Momentum and its trophy will be on display at Ricardo through late Summer.

*This post was written by Interim Operations Director, Aaron Frantz.

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