Main content | back to top
They are Brazilian and They Never Give Up
Team e3 from Brazil traveled the greatest distance to the competition and, despite major setbacks, is determined to cover the final 6 miles with at least one qualifying track run.
That was just the start, the road would get bumpier. Upon arrival in Houston, members were horrified to see the crate in which they shipped their beloved vehicle was damaged in transit. Fearing the worst, team members were relieved to learn the car sustained only minor scratches.
After working all night to reassemble the vehicle, e3 encountered serious fuel injector and power train problems during technical inspection. Timing was tight for repairs, but they dug in and had the car ready for the first day’s runs.
Then more misfortune. The car made it onto the track, but stalled on the first lap. Another vehicle sideswiped it, badly damaging the driver’s side. Fortunately no one was hurt, but it was another setback and the team feared it wouldn’t recover in time for Sunday’s trials. They returned to repairs, more determined than ever.
One more all-nighter Saturday rebuilt the car. Sunday dawned with the team confident of getting onto the track for at least one full qualifying run in their Prototype Gasoline category.
“We have faced a lot of adversity, but have learned a lot in the process that we’ll apply to next year,” said team lead Rodrigo Fendrich Magri. “The odds have been stacked against us. Other teams might have given up and gone home, but not us. It’s never too late.”
