The Formula SAE Competition was developed in the early 1980's for engineering students to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with small formula-style racing cars. It is assumed that this car will be manufactured at a quantity of 1000 units per year and marketed to a target segment of weekend non-professional autocross racers.
Therefore, the performance, reliability, and maintainability, along with cost, are all critical factors in the development of this vehicle. The restrictions on the car's frame and engine are structured so that the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the students are challenged. The car will be built with a team effort over a period of two years.
The final product is then taken to a competition in Detroit for judging and comparison against more than 100 other student designed vehicles from across the nation. The first events are the static events, which include design judging, corporate presentation and cost report. After the completion of these events the dynamic events take place.
These include a drag race, a skid pad event, an autocross, and a 20-minute endurance run where fuel mileage and durability are tested. The end result is a great experience for students in a meaningful project as well as the opportunity of working in a dedicated team.