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.

Received the Cummins Inc. Applied Technology Award of $1,000 for our Surface Air Pressure Sensors and Electronic Brake Bias

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 units 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 on-site event operations and promote clever problem solving. They must then must give a design report, cost report, and drive the car in the dynamic events. Points are awarded for each event as shown below:

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

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 which was held in 1979. It has since evolved into a world wide competition involving more than 120 teams at the main event in Michigan.