Formula SAE

 

Formula SAE® is a student design competition organized by SAE International (formerly Society of Automotive Engineers). The first competition was started in 1978 and was originally called the Mini Indy.

The concept behind Formula SAE is that a fictional manufacturing company has contracted a design team to develop a small Formula-style race car. The prototype race car is to be evaluated for its potential as a production item with 1000 unites being produced. The target marketing group for the race car is the non-professional weekend autocross racer. Each student team designs, builds and tests a prototype based on a series of rules whose purpose is both to ensure onsite event operations and promote clever problem solving.

Formula SAE promotes careers and excellence in engineering as it encompasses all aspects of the automotive industry including research, design, manufacturing, testing, developing, marketing, management and finances. Formula SAE takes students out of the classroom and allows them to apply textbook theories to real work experiences.

Today, the competition has expanded and includes a number of spin off events. In the United States there are three locations: California, Michigan, and Virginia; Michigan being the largest event and longest running.