Chevy, Michigan Tech unveil a different kind of racer

At the 113th Army-Navy Game on Dec. 8, Chevrolet and students from Michigan Technological University unveiled a new hand cycle designed to make it easier for wounded vets to compete in racing events, including marathons.

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said GM will build 10 prototypes for use by the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans in marathons across the country.

The cycle is designed to be stronger, more comfortable and more portable than what's available now. The cycle was designed by Michigan Tech mechanical engineering students as part of a senior project called “Huskies Helping Heroes.”

“This is the most rewarding assignment I've ever worked on,” said Michigan Tech senior Brett Jenkins of Troy, Mich., in a statement. He led one of the student teams.

GM sponsored the project and Chevrolet engineers and Tech faculty are overseeing it.

The students spent time with wounded vets to observe their races and then designed a cycle to meet their needs.

Hand cycles allow athletes to lean forward while pumping the wheels with their hands. For amputees or those who have sustained other serious injuries, this is often a better solution for racing than a traditional wheelchair.

The new cycle uses high-strength steel, improved restraints for comfort and safety, and is designed to be more portable and less prone to damage during transit. One example: A pivoting fork-to-frame attachment allows the front wheel assembly to fold into the seat during travel, reducing the cycle's size.

“Huskies Helping” Heroes formed in January with four teams and grew to five in September.

By Wes Raynal