Huibert Mees, Franco Cimatti, and Norman Garrett

Franco Cimatti

Georgia Tech graduates and professors have made a significant impact on the field of transportation design and engineering. The Georgia Tech Auto Show seeks to promote the public’s knowledge of this contribution through the guest speakers at the show and featuring them on this site. Our hats are off to those in the Georgia Tech community that have made noteworthy contributions to the field.

Crissy Rodriguez

One of Ford Motor Company’s engineers in Crissy Rodriguez.  She graduated from Georgia Tech’s mech eng program in 1995.
She remembers working on the family’s mini cooper but her real start in automotive industry came when she was president of the student chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.   Ford Motor Company was a sponsor of that group, and offered her a scholarship for her master’s degree.  She has now worked on projects including the new Ford 500, and the Taurus.  Read more about Crissy.

In addition to all of his busy schedule Skinner is the founder and main organizer of the Georgia Tech Auto Show, now in its seventh year.  Sterling has a love for all cars and a knack for bringing people together. The Auto Show is the culmination of both.

Skinner believes that this show is a way to let people reconnect with Georgia Tech who might no feel comfortable at a black tie alumni function as well as including students, staff, faculty, fans and others who all share a connection to Tech and a love for vehicles. Skinner points out that there are great numbers of tech graduates that have made some of the most important engineering and design strides in the automotive industry and it is great to be able to celebrate the talent.

Although jhe does have other vehicles, Sterling loves his Porsche and can even be seen driving it with no top, since it has no top, through the rain, probably sitting in two inches of water. And it seems that he does not even notice!

After his death, Dean Galloway’s family created the Dean Thomas D. Galloway Memorial Fund for the College of Architecture in care of the Georgia Tech Foundation. His widow, Sharon Galloway, has been very generous and has granted the Auto Show a five year gift from this fund, that significantly helps with the expenses of the Show and enables the Tech Community to fully participate and be inclusive to all, so very different from some auto shows that are exclusive and expensive to take part in. We want to take this time to thank The Galloway’s for this gift in the Dean’s name. He was an amazing man and is missed by all.

Alum, Gilbert Zeal EE, 1960, drove his 1965 yellow Thunderbird through the storms from Pensacola to come share his stories from tech days and show off his beautiful automobile. The speaker this year, Robert Englar, an aerodynamicist from GTRI shared his ideas of the importance of aerodynamics to the speed of a vehicle.  He discussed his race teams attempt to break a land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats  which they lost by a hair.  The record was 240.5 and they came in just 1.5 mph short of breaking the record.

2009 Auto Show Winners!!

Congratulations to all of you!  We think everyone at the show is a winner.  These are the cars that were most popular within their categories among those entrants and spectators who filled out a ballot at the show.  Also listed are those singled out for special recognition by the show organizers.  Please note the variety of people and cars that are being recognized and also please be aware that several of the recipients who identified themselves as “Fans” are in fact parents or other relatives of Tech students.

The number of trophies given in a particular class is a reflection of the number of cars entered in that class.  Hopefully no one is participating in the show simply to win a trophy.  That isn’t what the show is about.  You might also be interested to know that traditionally the show recognizes about 30% of the entrants with an award.

1978 – 2008 Unmodified
For late model production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st    Ferrari 328 GTB                    James Pernikoff (Fan)

2nd    1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II            Mike Pusateri (BSEcon 1983)

3rd    1989 BMW M3                    Stephen T Du (Mgt 2002)

4th    2001 Yellow Camaro                    John Kane (UEC Student)

1948 – 1977 Unmodified
For older post-war production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st    Citroen 2CV                        Parker Parish (AE 1998)

2nd    1968 Dodge Charger R/T  (Gold)            Sherman Banks (BEE 1987)

3rd    1952 Hudson Hornet                    Preston Stevens (Arch 1953)

1900 – 1947 Unmodified
For pre-war designed production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st    1931 Plymouth                    Harry F Jenkins (Textiles 1973)

RWD or AWD Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with either rear or all-wheel drive.  This includes hot     rods, street machines, and street legal kit / replica / homebuilt cars

1st    1967 Camaro Convertible (Blue)            Joel D Davis (MSCE 1999)

2nd    MGB with V8 (Gold)                    Tim O’Brian (Fan)

3rd    1964 Porsche 904 (reproduction)            Randy Beck (Fan)

4th    Porsche 550 Spyder (reproduction)            Chuck Beck (Fan)

5th    Mazda Miata V8                    Nathan Sumner (ME Student)

Front Wheel Drive Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with front wheel drive.  This includes the popular     “import tuner” cars.

1st    1971 Austin Mini (with Honda Engine)        NJ Boone (Fan)

2nd    Scion XB                        Brent (Fan)?

3rd    Scion TC                        Bre (Fan)

Trucks, 4×4, and SUV
This includes all types and years of trucks; pick-ups, SUVs, Jeeps, off-roaders….

1st    Ford Explorer                        Ben Lee (BME Student)

2nd    Red Ford Bronco                    C Trent Mayo (Mgt Student)

Motorcycles
Anything with 2 wheels and an engine … 3 wheels, side cars…..

1st    1967 Honda CL125                Cooper Garrett/Norman Garrett (BME 1981)

2nd     Ducati 998                        Rick Radford (Fan)

3rd    Suzuki GSXR 750                    John Loesel (ME Student)

Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Electric, hybrid, solar, bio-diesel, hydrogen … any form of power other than traditional internal     combustion.  Also known as “green cars”

1st    ZAP Car                        Paul Webber (BSME, BSIE 2008)

2nd    Gashopper                        Frank Boulton (Fan)

3rd    1960 Huffy Roadmaster                Brady Horn (CE Student)

Race and Experimental
Vehicles that are built for competition, entertainment, or education that are not designed for     basic transportation needs or necessarily street legal

1st    1929 Ford Special                    Ray Morgan (Fan)

2nd    2008 Elan DP01                    Chip Lewis (BME 1998)

3rd    Locost Lotus 7                        Andrew Fida (ME Student)

Student Beaters
These are the most elemental examples of automotive transportation.  The cars must be     driven to the show but beyond that the more decrepit the vehicle the better … extra points     for a GT Parking pass, spray paint, bondo, bailing wire, and duct tape.

1st     Dodge Sweptline Truck                Jeremy Schoen (Mgt Student)

2nd    Nissan 300ZX 2+2                    Jason Kuykendall (ID Student)

3rd    Firebird Formula                    Dave Lynn (ID Faculty)

Special Recognition

Angel Award Parker T Baxster (ME Student)
To someone who is instrumental in making the show happen.  This year it was earned by a     student member of the show’s organizing committee who put posters all over campus.

Dean Thomas D Galloway Memorial Award Kara Allen (Alum Association)
In honor of the beloved educator and Dean of the College of Architecture, this trophy is given to the member of the Tech community who, like Dean Galloway, recognized and supported the vision of the Georgia Tech Auto Show through extraordinary efforts or generosity.

Design Award Porsche 904 Reproduction    Chuck Beck (Fan)
This distinction is awarded by a small committee of knowledgeable automotive designers and historians to a vehicle of particular design significance or sensitivity.  It may go to an unmodified classic or to a modified car that reveals a profound appreciation for and attention to design.

Engineering Award Locost Lotus 7 Homebuilt    Andrew Fida (ME Student)
Similar to the design award, this honor is bestowed by a small committee to the vehicle that     exhibits a particularly significant engineering achievement on either a personal or corporate     level.

Special Recognition Ray Morgan (Fan)
Ray Morgan drove his 1929 open top Ford Special to the show in the pouring rain.  He would hold up an umbrella at traffic lights.  Truly spectacular commitment to the show!!

Guest Speaker Robert J Englar (GTRI)

Speaker:   Paul Lomangino, an engineer at Tesla
Poster:    Raymond Powell
T-shirt: Logan Vickery  (blue with speedo)

Georgia Tech 2008 Auto Show Winners!!

Congratulations to all of you! We think everyone at the show is a winner. These are the cars that were most popular within their categories among those entrants and spectators who filled out a ballot at the show. Also listed are those singled out for special recognition by the show organizers. Please note the variety of people and cars that are being recognized and also please be aware that several of the recipients who identified themselves as “Fans” are in fact parents or other relatives of Tech students.

The number of trophies given in a particular class is a reflection of the number of cars entered in that class. Hopefully no one is participating in the show simply to win a trophy. That isn’t what the show is about. You might also be interested to know that traditionally the show recognizes about 30% of the entrants with an award.

1978 – 2008 Unmodified
For late model production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st Citroen 2CV Bob Stanek ( NOT AE 1990)

2nd 1989 Lamborghini Countach Don Silkebakken (BISYE 1986)

3rd 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Clif Parker (Fan)

4th Tie – Lotus Exige / Plymouth Prowler Brian Johnson (ME Student) / Bill Pillow?

1948 – 1977 Unmodified
For older post-war production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gulwing KB Pearce (Fan)

2nd 1968 Dodge Charger R/T (Gold) Sherman Banks (BEE 1987)

3rd 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible Mark Petry (Fan)

4th 1963 Corvette (Silver Split-Window) Ray Morgan (Fan)

5th 1968 Mustang (Burgundy) Mark Peterson (Student)

1900 – 1947 Unmodified
For pre-war designed production cars in factory or near stock condition – minimal modifications

1st 1936 Cord 810 Jack Glenn (IM 1959)

2nd 1941 Cadillac 60 Special Joe Patten (Fan)

RWD or AWD Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with either rear or all-wheel drive. This includes hot rods, street machines, and street legal kit / replica / homebuilt cars

1st 1966 Mustang 2+2 Fastback (Black) Jamal Wilson (ME Grad Student)

2nd 1929 Ford 2 Door Sedan (Black/Yellow) Charlie Lail (Comp Eng 1999)

3rd 1998 Corvette 1953 Tribute (White/Red) Chaz Cone (BSIM 1961)

4th 2001 Porsche Turbo (Silver Two-Tone) Patrick Nguyen (Fan)

Front Wheel Drive Modified
All years of significantly modified cars with front wheel drive. This includes the popular “import tuner” cars.

1st 1971 Austin Mini (with Honda Engine) NJ Boone (Fan)

Trucks, 4×4, and SUV
This includes all types and years of trucks; pick-ups, SUVs, Jeeps, off-roaders….

1st 1954 Chevy 3100 Pickup Truck (Gold) Mark Youngblood (Fan)

2nd 1945 Ford GPW (Jeep) Henry Taylor (BSCE 1951)

3rd 1966 Land Rover 88” SWB Wagon Hugh Linton (Student)

Motorcycles
Anything with 2 wheels and an engine … 3 wheels, side cars…..

1st 1972 Honda CB350 (Orange) Mike Powell (Father of Student)

2nd 2002 Ducati MH900e Rick Radford (Fan)

3rd 2007 Ducati 1000S Kristopher Lamey (Fan)

Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Electric, hybrid, solar, bio-diesel, hydrogen … any form of power other than traditional internal combustion. Also known as “green cars”

1st 2000 Corbin Sparrow Dale Atkins (Aerospace Faculty)

2nd 1978 Mitsubishi Diesel J-54 Jeep Sean Sinkule (Fan)

Race and Experimental
Vehicles that are built for competition, entertainment, or education that are not designed for basic transportation needs or necessarily street legal

1st 1954 Jaguar Wayne Phrears (Not Registered)

2nd Locost Lotus 7 (Bare Chassis) Andrew Fida (Student)

3rd 1996 ZR1 Corvette Pro-Mod Dragster Mark Sisk (BME 1999)

Student Beaters
These are the most elemental examples of automotive transportation. The cars must be driven to the show but beyond that the more decrepit the vehicle the better … extra points for a GT Parking pass, spray paint, bondo, bailing wire, and duct tape.

1st 1972 Dodge Charger (subLime Green) Barber Jabulani (Chem Grad Stud)

2nd 1995 Toyota Tercel “Tercedes” Nathan Denison (Student)

Special Recognition

Angel Award Alberto Blanco (Student)
To someone who is instrumental in making the show happen. This year it was earned by a student member of the show’s organizing committee who worked tirelessly on publicity.

Dean Thomas D Galloway Memorial Award Debra Thompson (Alum Association)
In honor of the beloved educator and Dean of the College of Architecture, this trophy is given to the member of the Tech community who, like Dean Galloway, recognized and supported the vision of the Georgia Tech Auto Show through extraordinary efforts or generosity.

Design Award Ariel Atom David Chow (CS Alumnus)
This distinction is awarded by a small committee of knowledgeable automotive designers and historians to a vehicle of particular design significance or sensitivity. It may go to an unmodified classic or to a modified car that reveals a profound appreciation for and attention to design.

Engineering Award Ralt-Yawn-Downing CSR Jim Downing (IM 1966)
Wayne Yawn (BME 1995)

Similar to the design award, this honor is bestowed by a small committee to the vehicle that exhibits a particularly significant engineering achievement on either a personal or corporate level.