The University of Tampa has an emerging club on campus with D.R.I.V.E., Dynamically Revolutionizing Vehicle Education. Its mission includes: “Bringing local vehicle enthusiasts together.Vehicle problems will be converted into common learning opportunities integrated with the networking structure of this educational club. D.R.I.V.E members will assist fellow enthusiasts with the correct information necessary to understand all aspects of vehicles.”
This year’s new president Moises Benhabib, a junior government and world affairs major, is working to expand D.R.I.V.E.
“The new thing that I want to do this year is partner with local clubs to host events,” Benhabib said. “I’m trying to get with Student Productions to do another drive-in movie on top of West. Also, I want to start a campus car show where we would invite members from other clubs to participate.”
This year marks the first time that D.R.I.V.E.-UT has partnered with USF to host more events both on and off campus. “Their club is so large they get better rates for events such as a drag day, where we go to a drag strip and run a quarter-mile.”
Everyone on campus is encouraged to participate with the club. Vice president of D.R.I.V.E, sophomore Michael Raffia, joined not only because he loves cars but he could make local contacts in an important network. “I saw D.R.I.V.E-UT and knew it would be a good fit because it takes my passion for cars and adds the social side.The best part of this club, and any vehicle base club, is meeting people with similar interests.”
What started three years ago by three UT students who wanted to get together, hang out and show off their cars has grown into a campus organization that is partnered with Tampa Car Meets and the Tampa Racing Forum.
The best reason to join, according to Raffia, “You meet new people, you create connections and “car people” all want to help each other out. If you want to learn more about your vehicle, want to go to the drag races or autocross, or go to some of the best car shows in the country Drive UT would be a great organization to join. It really is just about having fun and some amazing pieces of craftsmanship.”
If you have a car with you on campus, or if you just have a love for the machine, D.R.I.V.E.-UT may be just for you. Often times the club will go on a ‘cruise’ after meetings, attend USF car meets, have track days as well as participate in community service. Membership fees are $5 or any current member who recruits three new members will get their membership fee waived. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9:45 a.m. For more information contact Moises Benhabib at mbenhabib@spartans.ut.edu.
Kadee Jo Carpenter can be reached at carpentek@me.com.