Formula SAE: The future leaders of motorsports and the auto industry

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.

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