Formula SAE is an international collegiate design series in which students design and build a Formula-style race car to compete against other collegiate teams. This car is evaluated during the annual competition at the Michigan International speedway in a series of static and dynamic events. The static events include a thorough cost analysis and report, a business presentation, and an intensive design review by industry professionals. The dynamic events include an acceleration course, skid-pad, autocross trials, and a grueling endurance race. The competition is meant to test the car for its potential as a production item and the team for its competency as an engineering force. Success in FSAE requires a group of motivated and hardworking students from all disciplines to research, design, manufacture, develop, and market the car. FSAE also introduces students to real-world engineering situations and teaches project management, fabrication techniques, and design tactics used in industry. Both students and employers benefit from intercollegiate design competitions, as they allow students to apply the theories and information they learn in the classroom to real situations while industry gains experienced engineers. At Penn State, we are family. The race team is an open and welcoming environment that allows any student who is interested a chance to see how a racecar is built. Our students develop their skills in teamwork, communication, leadership, and budgeting throughout the year in order to produce a high-performing, competitive race car. We have consistently placed in the top half of competitors in years past.
