SAE stands for Formula Society of Automotive Engineers, a class of formula car governed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The cars are open-wheeled, with a maximum displacement of 610 cc, a minimum wheelbase of 60 in, and a mandatory 20-mm intake restrictor. The cars weights range from under 350 lb to over 600 lb. Cars typically have steel tube space frames or carbon fiber monocoques with independent suspension. Average speeds in the main driving events are 40 to 50 MPH.
The original Formula SAE competition was held in Michigan in 1981, and has been held every year since. The best thing about Formula SAE: it’s exclusively for college students. Student teams are awarded points based on these various judged events:
Static Events
- Presentation 75 points
- Cost 100 points
- Design 150 points
Dynamic Events:
- Acceleration 100 points
- Skid Pad 75 points
- Autocross 125 points
- Efficiency 100 points
- Endurance 275 points