The Hawk GT-2/TA2 No. 33 Msports Car is not just a machine built for speed – it’s a rolling laboratory of innovation, education, and opportunity. This program is empowering the next generation of engineers to shape the future of motorsports from the inside out.
At the heart of the project are five rising stars in engineering motorsports: one from the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNV) and four from Purdue University’s renowned Motorsports Engineering program in Indianapolis. Together, they are redefining what student-driven motorsports innovation can look like.
Engineering Meets Racecraft
These students are not just turning wrenches, they are building the future. Their work includes:
A groundbreaking in-car safety monitoring system (Third Eye): This system has the potential to transform motorsports safety worldwide.
AI-driven performance tools (Fire Laps): Easy access software designed to optimize lap times and race strategy.
A cutting-edge hydration system (Fluid Logic): Engineered to maximize driver readiness before the green flag even drops.
Alongside these innovations, the team is fully immersed in professional race operations: brake pad choice, SIM testing, chassis setup, and the intricate decision-making that defines elite racecraft. It’s a rare fusion of engineering rigor and real-world racing intensity.
Investing in the Next Generation
With the support of Hawk Performance and Msports, these young engineers are proving that bold ideas and fresh perspectives can make motorsports safer, smarter, and more thrilling. Research shows that students with internship experience are 35% more likely to receive a job offer, and this program delivers exactly the kind of hands-on, career-launching experience that changes lives.
One of the Msports engineers is a woman. Women average 13% to 15% of engineering roles worldwide. Despite earning 20% to 28% of U.S. engineering degrees, many women never enter or remain in the profession due to the well-known “leaky pipeline.” The Hawk/Msports partnership is helping close that gap offering real opportunities in a male-dominated arena.
This is more than a collaboration – it’s a strategic investment in the future of motorsports and the diverse engineering talent needed to propel it forward.
From the Garage to Daytona
The impact is already reaching the highest levels of the sport. Matt Bonislawski, a standout UNV student and 2025 former Msports lead mechanic, has joined the prestigious Penske Race Team, contributing to the Porsche 963 Hybrid GTP No. 7 win at the iconic IMSA Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January of this year. His journey is proof that opportunity, mentorship, and hard work can open doors to the pinnacle of racing.
The Msports Race Team, powered by Hawk, is rewriting what is possible in motorsports. Their drive, creativity, and vision are ushering in a new era – one where innovation meets adrenaline, and the next generation doesn’t just watch the future of racing unfold, they build it.
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(This article was provided by Msports. Photos courtesy Msports.)
