THE EVENT

What is Formula SAE?

Formula SAE is an international engineering students’ competition involving the design, construction, and dynamic testing of an open-wheeled racecar. Competitions have been held annually since 1981, and the event is now generously supported by Ford, GM, and Daimler-Chrylsler. As with all “formula” racing, there are numerous restrictions on the design of the Formula SAE vehicle to ensure that the knowledge, ingenuity, and imagination of competiting students will be challenged. Most design restrictions are aimed at driver safety and team parity, the former being of paramount importance. To this end, the cars must meet strict front impact and roll-over standards, and engine intake is limited by the use of an intake restrictor.

To keep the competition fresh, and allow younger students to gain as many benefits as possible, the rules also require that no car be driven in more than two competitions.

Judging Scheme

There are eight separately judged events that determine whether various performance and design objectives have been met. Professional engineers, members of the automotive industry, and racing experts, judge the Static Events, which comprise 325 of the 1000 points available at the competition. Students must demonstrate thorough knowledge of their design and defend unusual features. The Dynamic Events, which comprise the remaining 675 points available, are designed to display the overall performance of the vehicle in the areas of forward and lateral acceleration, fuel economy, manoeuvrability, and reliability.