Discuss “The anatomy of Sweepstakes”

The Buggy

It doesn’t happen anywhere else in the nation. It defines its own college subculture — one of early morning practices, late-night build sessions, and a staggering amount of duct tape. It’s Buggy, and it’s what makes Carnegie Mellon even more unique (and perhaps absurd) than it already is.

So what are those little cars made of? Are they directed by remote control? Is there actually a real person inside? Why do people do it?

Composite materials. No. Yes, they’re called drivers, and they are extraordinarily petite members of the Carnegie Mellon community. Because there is nothing else like it — anywhere.

In short, Sweepstakes — Buggy’s official name — is a competition among independent student organizations, fraternities,...