Pika Buggy
What is Buggy?
"It is the quintessential interdisciplinary sport and it's one of Carnegie Mellon University's longest held traditions.”
This annual student-led relay race, officially known as "Sweepstakes," partners designers, engineers, mechanics and athletes. Together, these brilliant, quirky, creative minds produce a buggy — an aerodynamic vehicle with no engine. It's powered by brains and brawn alone.
In just over two minutes, teams of power-pushing men and women race around a .84 mile track with buggy and driver leading the way around Schenley Park's Flagstaff Hill, with speeds up to 40 mph.
Every April during Spring Carnival, students, alumni and community fans watch Buggy teams compete for the annual title.
The “Winningest” Organization
Since its inception as one of the many organizations competing in the Carnegie Mellon’s annual Sweepstakes race, the Pi Kappa Alpha Buggy program has proved to be a top contender with a total of 129 trophies and 38 wins between its men’s and women’s teams.
Trophies
133
Men’s Championships
29
Women’s Championships
11
Our Buggies
Listed here are the names of all the buggies that have been used to race for Pika Buggy. Highlighted in bold are the buggies that are currently being used for race-days right now.
King Solomon
Thunder
Predator
Desperado
Vengeance
Lone Wolf
Renegade
Cyclone
Maverick
Mach I
Mad Dog
Barracuda
Dynasty
(Barn)
Revelation
Cheetah
Shark / S-1
Tiger Shark / T-1
T-2
Pithon
S-2
T-3
Stingray
WhiteLightening
SilverBullet
Land Shark
Bandit
Bullet
Godzilla
Mach II
Breathless
Phantom
Phoenix
Zeus
Jupiter
Jackal
Brimstone
Firewater
Wendigo
Wyvern
Knightfall
Chimera
Nemesis
Raptor
Banshee
Cleona
Wraith
Recognition
In 2019, Beta Sigma alumni William Thomas Wood was awarded the Lifetime Spirit of Buggy award for his continued participation and dedication to not only the Pika Buggy program but also to Carnegie Mellon Sweepstakes as a whole. Starting in 2020, the annual award will bear his name.
Brothers Willy Clark ‘15 (left) and William Thomas Wood (right)
Join Pika Buggy
Our buggy program is something that are very proud of and one that holds a lot of traditions that we try to live up to every year. Reach out today to learn more about the program and how you can be a part of our traditions.