So many great photos of these teams so little space.
UCF (Knights Racing)
FAU (Owls racing)
FIU (Panther Motorsports)
UNF (Osprey Racing)
The timetable for a group of college students to turn an idea into an internationally competitive race car? Just 365 days.
Seems impossible, right? Well, for this generation of engineers and leaders, that's their life.
This achievement is all thanks to a program called Formula SAE. It provides students with an outlet to develop their skills outside the classroom and prepare them for the job force.
The final goal? Create a fully functional, formula-style car that shows engineering prowess in static and dynamic events. This competition isn’t just engineering-focused, though. Teams must also create business and cost report presentations based off prompts to show their planning and budgeting skills.
[Make your project car faster: Advice from a Formula SAE team]
Formula cars not your thing? Don't worry, FSAE stands as one of many programs organized by SAE International. Other programs include Baja, Aero Design, Snowmobile and AutoDrive Challenge for autonomous vehicles.
FSAE itself breaks down into three variations–internal combustion, hybrid and electric–and on October 3, these teams all faced one of the most crucial moments of the season: registration day.
FSAE shapes thousands of students each year, myself included. During my time within the program, registration day stood as one of the most stressful moments besides competition itself. Why? Because not only are there only 120 slots, but they would fill so quickly that sometimes the entire website would crash.
This year was no different.
In less than 5 minutes, 120 schools around the world secured their spot in the competition. The 30-slot waitlist? Almost half full.
Luckily Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, my alma mater, and every other university team here in Florida secured their position and, with that, their car number. The quicker teams register, the lower their car number.
SAE International rules require a new chassis for each year’s competition. Now teams have just 215 days until the finale at Michigan International Speedway.
So, why should you care about SAE students? Simple, they are our future. I am part of that future.
A majority of students in SAE programs graduate with full-time jobs lined up or an internship under their belts. In fact, companies like GM and Tesla sponsor these events and scout out students from the pool.
FSAE provided the resources and connections that allowed me, just two months after graduation, to secure a position here at Grassroots Motorsports. These students are always learning, adapting and looking for new ways to go above and beyond.
Keep up with the Florida teams by browsing SAE Florida's website and social media. To see if a university near you is involved in a SAE program, check out the SAE International’s website.
FSAE Internal Combustion:
FSAE Electric:
So many great photos of these teams so little space.
UCF (Knights Racing)
FAU (Owls racing)
FIU (Panther Motorsports)
UNF (Osprey Racing)
The FSAE car that I saw was Georgia Tech’s at an Atlanta autocross. This had to be 1992 or so. If I had known that FSAE was an option, perhaps I would have gone to a different school....
PS: Found some Formula SAE history here.
David S. Wallens said:PS: Found some Formula SAE history here.
Much love for FSAE here. Thanks for the history link! I was part of the Maryland team for the 1991 car, and my FSAE work is what got me into the auto industry.
I once dropped 2lbs (or was it 3lbs?) of unsprung weight on some uprights. 6061->7075 and some optimizing via FEA.
Recruitment drive 2014
I have more hair now.
Here is a little flashback of when I was VP of the Embry Riddle Team. I have so much love for this program and for my old team.
Pffft FSAE doesn't even have jumps on their courses 
SAE Baja is way more grassroots, having way more fun for a fraction of the money.
Not cleaner though....
I'm the advisor for Hope College's team. We're one of a few small, private colleges that compete and generally build a car every two years when Covid doesn't interfere. We used to be able to run the car at Lincoln in June and then MIS the following May under the 12 month eligibility rule. As mentioned above, FSAE students learn so much and a get a huge advantage in the job market.
We have several racers and engineers that volunteer to mentor the students. They enjoy it and really have helped the team be successful. If you have a FSAE team near you, I highly recommend giving them a few hours of your time.
2018-19 car.
2021-22 car.
2024 car.
Practicing for tilt test.
Enough said.
FSAE was a huge part of my college experience and enabled my career to flourish. I actually had the opportunity to purchase our 2003 Missouri car (2nd overall in Detroit) that I primarily designed and helped build. It proudly sits displayed in my garage and occasionally comes out to set FTD at the local autocross. I keep a framed copy of its features in Racecar Engineering and Racer Magazine on the wall nearby. Priceless.
Fun sidebar- In 2002 I was tired of leaning over and getting my feet run over pushing the car through our buildings and at competition. So one night I whipped up a clip-on push bar that allowed one or two people to push the car around. At competition that year the stewards were so enamored with the idea that it became written into the rules. You're welcome!
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