The Team
Management
Dr. Koen MatthysBrunel X-team management is conducted by Dr Koen Matthys, electro-mechanical engineer and lecturer in the School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University London. Koen is also racing director for Agni Racing and founder of Komatti. Apart from Brunel X-team management duties, Koen ensures the technical supervision and guidance for the Brunel X-team as chief designer.
Race Team
Edmund BrightI am the team leader of the Brunel X Race Team working towards producing the BX-11. My roles in the team are the design and configuration of the battery cells, their management and motor controller configuration, as well as race organisation and logistics. This is my second year as part of the team and we are aiming to be successful in our second TTZero race. I have studied Mechanical Engineering at Brunel University and completed a work placement at Thales - Training & Simulation as a hardware design engineer. In previous roles in Brunel X I have designed a bespoke battery integrated chassis and in the future I am aiming to build on my knowledge base and work in clean vehicle technology.
Tim ClarkeI am the chief website designer for the Brunel X-team, and the chassis engineer for the race team. This is the second year that I have been part of the team that will once more take part in the Isle of Mann TT race. I am currently in my final year studying for a masters in Mechanical Engineering. In my third academic year I completed a placement with a company called Ultra Electronics, a company providing a variety of products mainly aimed at the defence industry. During the placement, I undertook various roles within the company and acquired many skills that have proved invaluable while working on the Electric Motorcycle.
Chris KnellerI am a final year MEng Motorsport Engineering student and am in charge of the simulation and testing aspects of the Brunel X-Team. This year has mainly revolved around building, from scratch, basic race circuit and vehicle models within MATLAB; along with data logging equipment research for the testing of BX-11 and simulation validation. My main engineering interests lie within the areas of vehicle dynamics and testing so this has been an appealing and very interesting project for me, combined with being a keen motorcyclist as well.
Adam WhiteI have studied Mechanical Engineering at Brunel for five years starting with a foundation year and ending this year with my master’s year. I come from a an agricultural background where I have always had space and resources to own several different motorcycles gaining experience maintaining, developing and restoring them. Previous engineering experience comes though maintenance and workshop tasks for agriculture, which was also my main reasoning for studying at university. I take a keen interest in most sports, in particular all motorsports, swimming, football and rugby.
Road Team
Tom EllsonI am the chassis and packaging designer on the electric road motorcycle. This involves designing and manufacturing a sub frame in order to hold internal components onto the bike, and ensuring the bike is safe for road use. Prior to my university career I have spent many years racing karts and cars in both the UK and abroad. I have also built up my portfolio with work experience, including working as a project manager for companies including Abnormal Load Engineering and Centrica Plc.
Daniel MillardI am the Design Engineer responsible for the Powertrain on the Electric Road Bike. Previously I have worked for Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines (MBHPE) as their Placement Engineer, where I was involved with a range of roles from component assembly and strip, to process analysis and evaluation. More recently, I have been working with West Surrey Racing (WSR) as their Data Engineer, working with Rob Collard in 2010 and 2011. In the future I hope to continue working within the automotive/motorsport sector, and aim to move towards achieving a Chartered status.
Theo RutterI am the Crew Chief and the Battery Systems Engineer for the 2010 Road Bike Team. This year our challenge has been to develop a road going electric powered road bike from scratch, using a 2009 Yamaha R6 as the donor bike. Using both the practical and academic expertise of each team member, it has been possible to produce a functioning prototype that is both aesthetically pleasing and professionally finished. I have a background in the design and manufacture of conventional racing motorcycles, and have a keen interest in many forms of motorcycle racing.
Charlie YouellI am the Design and Systems Engineer in charge of the BR-11 electrical systems, including the wiring loom, controller, controller heat sink and mounting, battery charger and driver instrumentation. I also designed and constructed the BR-11 parts database, and keep it up date when new part models and drawings are submitted. My industrial placement saw me in a role as a Product Design, Development and Testing Engineer, working for a oil and gas tool development company. Several of my designs are now awaiting patent. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, brewing my own beer, gardening and am a keen home mechanic.
Support Team
Nicholas OlafareI am one of the Design Modeller and Technical Document Manager for the team. My task was to create a complete CAD model of the BX-10 and 09 bike for further analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics & Finite Element Analysis software applications. My manufacturing background has drawn me to being primarily concerned with standardization and optimization of the bikes in preparation for possible batch production. My engineering background stems from creating advanced modifications to computer hardware for industry benchmarking and testing. I am a consultant for an IT vendor in hardware aesthetics and ergonomics. I'm a keen sportsman and a trainee teacher.
Piyush PithwaI am Motor design engineer, responsible for the DC motor configurations. I am a 3rd year student studying Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics, the ever growing global warming issues as well as finding out how theoretical knowledge is transferred into practical solutions. I believe that this project has been a learning step for me from the theoretical world and I am certain that the skills and knowledge inherited from this project will come greatly in advantage for the near future.
Chris RatfordI am one of the Design Modellers and Technical Document Mangers on the team. My current work involves creating a complete CAD model of the BX-10 and BX-09 team bikes using tools such as our 7 axis laser scanner. My engineering background comes from racing 125cc gearbox karts from a young age and modifying my Hillman Imp. I am also a keen mountain biker and a semi-professional event photographer.
Mohammad SohaibI am a 3rd year student studying Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics. I have also done Foundation of Engineering from Brunel which gave me a lot of knowledge about different areas of engineering. Hence I am aware of electronics and other major areas of engineering. My project is related to the battery systems in electric motorbikes. This project allowed me to understand the difference between Li-ion and Li-polymer batteries and also gave me a lot of knowledge about electric motorbikes.
James ThomasI am one of the members of the testing team. My current work is the testing of controllers, throttle response and researching data instrumentation to do this I spend most of my time on the rolling road. My interest in engineering was triggered from my love of cars and maintaining them. Outside of university I sail at a national level and run a small engineering company that produces musical effects.
Riders
Russ MountfordI began my racing career in 2001 after building a CBR400 from a wreck as I was an apprentice motorcycle mechanic on leaving school, I competed in only a few meetings that year due to lack of budget, in 2002 I bought myself an FZR400SP which was a more competitive bike for the classes I was eligible for, so following is a description of my racing career and results from 2002 onwards. 2001 preston district rookie, up to 500 and supersport 400 and winner (15 wins from 21 starts) 2002 Honda hornet cup, numerous to 5 finishes 2003 mid season purchase of a Honda CBR600 FX, testing commenced for 2004 season 2004 Preston and district powerbike champion and formula 600 runner up, and new lap record holder (3 sisters) Also had wind with Wirral 100 and Aintree club (31 wins from 35 starts) 2005 raced an ex Carl Muggeridge CBR600FSI but due to massive reliability issues 2005 was a disaster. (2 engine blow ups and numerous clutch failures) 2006 i raced a 125 to begin to enjoy racing again resulting in my first real road race and podium at Aberdare park ( single cylinder class ) 2007 purchased a brand new R6 to do the Manx GP, Many race wins including Wirral 100, Ian Watson cup winner at Scarborough Aintree club formula 600 runner up behind Roy Richardson, 3rd in powerbike Manx GP newcomers 2nd place with a 115.8mph standing start lap in newcomers A. I also won the Les Williams trophy for best performance ont the mountain course by a northern England resident. 2008 I raced the same R6 (still bog standard) Top 5 at Scarborough again, Southern 100 best newcomer in every class including superbike. Supersport 600B race winner and lap record, manx gp junior 5th place with 116mph lap on a damp track. We (me and Dan Kneen) also won the team
trophy in the junior event for the southern 100 club. 2009 I got sponsorship from northpoint racing and got a New R1 superstock bike for northwest, TT and southern 100. Resulting in 21st in superport 1, 18th in supersport 2 and 22nd in superstock with a lap of 119.8 on the 600 and 122 on the R1. 2010 had a massive crash at Scarborough resulting in a shattered right arm in 6 places damaged wrist and a broken back in 3 place which meant I missed TT 2010 but was back for the southern 100, finishing 10th in supersport and 7th in superbike, I then did 14 short circuit races at Aintree, Anglesey etc resulting in 9 wins from 14 starts. 2011 we plan to do the TT, southern 100 and Ulster GP for the first time with our new Fireblade and my R6 and also hope to ride an electric bike in TT zero.
Paul Owen
started racing motorcycles in 1992 after watching his father race for many years. Paul was a mechanic for the Honda Britain Race team/VIMTO Honda in 1998 and an instructor at the Ron Haslem Honda Racing School in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Paul started his own racing career on a production based TZR125cc Yamaha, and since then he has ridden many racing machines. Paul has raced all over the U.K., Ireland, the Isle of Man and Belgium.
He has 4 caps for his country, including being captain of the Welsh team. He has won 5 championships and has held the lap and race records at 3 different tracks. Paul is very popular and highly respected within the racing scene. Paul has always been one of the top privateer teams in racing.
Paul is a virtual character/racer in the PLAYSTATION “T.T. Superbike Challenge 2” game, where you can race him on all 3 of his current racing bikes.PAUL OWEN - ISLE OF MAN T.T. RACES FASTEST LAP: 18mins 27sec.AVERAGE SPEED: 122.697mph
started racing motorcycles in 1992 after watching his father race for many years. Paul was a mechanic for the Honda Britain Race team/VIMTO Honda in 1998 and an instructor at the Ron Haslem Honda Racing School in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Paul started his own racing career on a production based TZR125cc Yamaha, and since then he has ridden many racing machines. Paul has raced all over the U.K., Ireland, the Isle of Man and Belgium.
He has 4 caps for his country, including being captain of the Welsh team. He has won 5 championships and has held the lap and race records at 3 different tracks. Paul is very popular and highly respected within the racing scene. Paul has always been one of the top privateer teams in racing.
Paul is a virtual character/racer in the PLAYSTATION “T.T. Superbike Challenge 2” game, where you can race him on all 3 of his current racing bikes.PAUL OWEN - ISLE OF MAN T.T. RACES FASTEST LAP: 18mins 27sec.AVERAGE SPEED: 122.697mph
Steve Harper
Brunel X-team were happy to have Steve Harper racing the BX-09 at the 2009 TTXGP at the Isle of Man, which he successfully got across the line in 9th place as the top UK University team. STEVE HARPER is a Triumph development rider and has been racing since 2000, mainly competing on the Isle of Man, finishing 3 Manx GP’s and 3 Isle of Man TT’s. 2007, the centenary year at the TT, saw Steve competing in the super bike class, finishing 30th on a Suzuki 1000 K6.
Brunel X-team were happy to have Steve Harper racing the BX-09 at the 2009 TTXGP at the Isle of Man, which he successfully got across the line in 9th place as the top UK University team. STEVE HARPER is a Triumph development rider and has been racing since 2000, mainly competing on the Isle of Man, finishing 3 Manx GP’s and 3 Isle of Man TT’s. 2007, the centenary year at the TT, saw Steve competing in the super bike class, finishing 30th on a Suzuki 1000 K6.
BX-10 Engineers
Ed Bright
Is the Crew Chief of the Brunel X motorcycle racing team. Ed is responsible for the overall running of the design engineering team and reports to the Chief Designer. Ed is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering MEng student. Ed returned to Brunel from a year placement at Thales Training & Simulation in the Hardware Engineering Department. He learnt many skills during his placement that he has been able to apply to the Electric Motorcycle project as well as learning new ones. Ed hopes to carry on the Electric Motorcycle project during the final year of his MEng course because it has been an exciting project and has many potential career paths.
Is the Crew Chief of the Brunel X motorcycle racing team. Ed is responsible for the overall running of the design engineering team and reports to the Chief Designer. Ed is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering MEng student. Ed returned to Brunel from a year placement at Thales Training & Simulation in the Hardware Engineering Department. He learnt many skills during his placement that he has been able to apply to the Electric Motorcycle project as well as learning new ones. Ed hopes to carry on the Electric Motorcycle project during the final year of his MEng course because it has been an exciting project and has many potential career paths.
Tim Clarke
Is the Battery Packaging Design Engineer. Tim is responsible for the battery packaging, and overall weight distribution and handling of the bike. Tim is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering MEng student. In the previous academic year he completed a placement with a company called Ultra Electronics, a company providing a variety of products mainly aimed at the defence industry. During the placement, Tim undertook various roles in the company and acquired many skills that he has been able to bring to the Electric Motorcycle. Tim's intention is to continue with the Electric Motorcycle project throughout his final year, as he believes in the future importance of this low carbon project and realizes the many interesting career paths that will derive from it.
Is the Battery Packaging Design Engineer. Tim is responsible for the battery packaging, and overall weight distribution and handling of the bike. Tim is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering MEng student. In the previous academic year he completed a placement with a company called Ultra Electronics, a company providing a variety of products mainly aimed at the defence industry. During the placement, Tim undertook various roles in the company and acquired many skills that he has been able to bring to the Electric Motorcycle. Tim's intention is to continue with the Electric Motorcycle project throughout his final year, as he believes in the future importance of this low carbon project and realizes the many interesting career paths that will derive from it.
Greg Da Santos
Is the Motor and Control Design Engineer. Greg is responsible for the DC motor configuration, electric controller and power transmission. Greg is a final year student studying Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Design. He has spent a placement year working for General Motors, and towards the end of the year he saw great investments in electric and hybrid technologies. Greg has always been interested in alternative methods of propulsion; the zero-emissions, direct drive and high efficiency have made the BX-10 an interesting project to work on. The knowledge and experience gained working with electric vehicles will be hugely beneficial when working on future automotive technologies.
Is the Motor and Control Design Engineer. Greg is responsible for the DC motor configuration, electric controller and power transmission. Greg is a final year student studying Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Design. He has spent a placement year working for General Motors, and towards the end of the year he saw great investments in electric and hybrid technologies. Greg has always been interested in alternative methods of propulsion; the zero-emissions, direct drive and high efficiency have made the BX-10 an interesting project to work on. The knowledge and experience gained working with electric vehicles will be hugely beneficial when working on future automotive technologies.
Adam White
Is the Battery Management Design Engineer. Adam is responsible for the battery management and overall energy storage and delivery performance of the battery packs. Adam is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering MEng student. He has progressed through the University from the Foundations of Engineering course. Adam has always been interested in motor bikes and found that being a member of the Brunel X team has focused his drive to be an engineer particularly in emerging green technologies.
Is the Battery Management Design Engineer. Adam is responsible for the battery management and overall energy storage and delivery performance of the battery packs. Adam is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering MEng student. He has progressed through the University from the Foundations of Engineering course. Adam has always been interested in motor bikes and found that being a member of the Brunel X team has focused his drive to be an engineer particularly in emerging green technologies.
BX-09 Engineers
Dafydd Broom
Returned to Brunel University after a summer internship with Subaru World Rally Team at Prodrive and also worked at Mitsubishi Motorsports during his placement year. Dafydd’s interests lie in simulation and mechatronics. Although not currently a motorbike rider, Dafydd has a keen interest in motorcycle design and hopes to learn to ride in the future. Dafydd was the lead powertrain and simulation engineer and is now currently working for Apex Circuit Design Ltd.
Returned to Brunel University after a summer internship with Subaru World Rally Team at Prodrive and also worked at Mitsubishi Motorsports during his placement year. Dafydd’s interests lie in simulation and mechatronics. Although not currently a motorbike rider, Dafydd has a keen interest in motorcycle design and hopes to learn to ride in the future. Dafydd was the lead powertrain and simulation engineer and is now currently working for Apex Circuit Design Ltd.
Jamie McCombe
Completed a placement as a Design Engineer at Delphi, focusing on venturi optimisation in diesel pumps. He has also successfully designed an electronic gear shifter system for the University’s Formula Student team. Jamie was able to build upon his knowledge of motorcycle dynamics through application in the design and manufacture of BX-09. Jamie led the team in motorcycle dynamics and a course analyst. He now works for General Electric Company.
Completed a placement as a Design Engineer at Delphi, focusing on venturi optimisation in diesel pumps. He has also successfully designed an electronic gear shifter system for the University’s Formula Student team. Jamie was able to build upon his knowledge of motorcycle dynamics through application in the design and manufacture of BX-09. Jamie led the team in motorcycle dynamics and a course analyst. He now works for General Electric Company.
James Owen
Has skills in handling large complex projects having completed a year as a Project Manager at Nissan. As well as managerial experience, James also brings a developing knowledge of electronics, which he highlighted by designing a power generation system for a solar car. James is a keen rider with track experience and was able to combine his motorcycling with developing his engineering skills. James was the Crew Chief and also took a technical role designing the wiring loom and control system. He now continues his involvement with electric motorcycle racing with Mavizen.
Has skills in handling large complex projects having completed a year as a Project Manager at Nissan. As well as managerial experience, James also brings a developing knowledge of electronics, which he highlighted by designing a power generation system for a solar car. James is a keen rider with track experience and was able to combine his motorcycling with developing his engineering skills. James was the Crew Chief and also took a technical role designing the wiring loom and control system. He now continues his involvement with electric motorcycle racing with Mavizen.
Tom Pegg
Returned to the University after spending his year in industry as a Chassis Design Engineer at Triumph Motorcycles. During his placement, he was able to apply his academic skills in a practical environment. Tom’s experience in riding motorcycles both on and off-road aided realistic and applicable engineering designs for BX-09. After graduating, Tom returned to Triumph Motorcycles resuming his role as a Chassis Design Engineer.
Returned to the University after spending his year in industry as a Chassis Design Engineer at Triumph Motorcycles. During his placement, he was able to apply his academic skills in a practical environment. Tom’s experience in riding motorcycles both on and off-road aided realistic and applicable engineering designs for BX-09. After graduating, Tom returned to Triumph Motorcycles resuming his role as a Chassis Design Engineer.