What is FSAE?

Formula SAE (FSAE) is a globally recognized engineering competition where university students design, build, and compete with formula-style race cars. Organized by SAE International, this program challenges teams to apply engineering principles, tackle real-world problems, and showcase their skills in design, manufacturing, and performance testing.

Picture of SDM at competition, Michigan Raceway 2024

Overview of Formula SAE

Formula SAE (FSAE) is an international engineering competition organized by SAE International, where college students design, build, and compete with small formula-style race cars. The program emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, offering participants a platform to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. Teams are tasked with designing vehicles that meet specific performance requirements while considering cost, safety, and manufacturability.

Participating teams present their vehicles in static and dynamic events, which include design evaluation, cost analysis, and business presentations, as well as acceleration, endurance, and autocross racing. FSAE serves as a stepping stone for aspiring engineers, offering exposure to automotive design and fostering valuable skills in project management, teamwork, and communication.

Why FSAE Matters

FSAE provides students with a unique opportunity to experience the full cycle of engineering design and manufacturing. By simulating the challenges faced by professionals in the automotive industry, the competition equips participants with hands-on experience that complements their academic studies. Teams must work together to create a car that not only performs well on the track but also meets stringent criteria for reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Beyond technical skills, FSAE emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability. Participants interact with industry professionals during events, gaining insights into real-world engineering challenges. Many alumni of FSAE programs find their experiences highly valued by employers, as it demonstrates their ability to tackle complex projects and succeed in high-pressure environments.

Picture of SDM24
Picture of SDM24 during a driver change

The Competition

The competition includes Static Events that evaluate design, cost, and business strategy, and Dynamic Events that test vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. Below is a breakdown of these events.

Static Events

These focus on the engineering, cost, and business aspects of the car.

  1. Design Event Teams present their engineering design to judges, explaining design choices, innovation, and functionality.
  2. Cost Event Participants provide a detailed report of the car's production costs and justify their manufacturing decisions.
  3. Business Presentation Teams pitch a hypothetical business case, presenting their car as a profitable and marketable product.


Dynamic Events

These focus on testing the car's performance, including safety checks like the Tilt Test and Brake Test.

Safety and Technical Inspections (Mandatory Prerequisites)

  • Tilt Test: Ensures the car does not leak fluids and remains stable at extreme angles.
  • Brake Test: Verifies that all four brakes can lock simultaneously.
  • Noise Test: Confirms the vehicle meets decibel level requirements.

Performance Tests

  • Acceleration: Measures how quickly the car can accelerate over 75 meters.
  • Skidpad: Assesses cornering ability and lateral acceleration in a figure-eight course.
  • Autocross: Tests handling, agility, and overall dynamic performance on a technical course.
  • Endurance: A 22-kilometer test evaluating durability and reliability under prolonged use.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Measured during the endurance test to gauge fuel consumption and efficiency.


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