Formula SAE® is a student design competition organized by SAE International (formerly Society of Automotive Engineers). The first competition was started in 1978 and was originally called the Mini Indy which was held in 1979. It has since evolved into a world wide competition involving more than 120 teams at the main event in Michigan.
The concept behind Formula SAE is that a fictional manufacturing company has contracted a design team to develop a small Formula-style race car. The prototype race car is to be evaluated for its potential as a production item with 1000 units being produced. The target marketing group for the race car is the non-professional weekend autocross racer. Each student team designs, builds and tests a prototype based on a series of rules whose purpose is both to ensure on-site event operations and promote clever problem solving. They must then must give a design report, cost report, and drive the car in the dynamic events. Points are awarded for each event as shown below:
| Label | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Skidpad Events (50 Pts) | 5 |
| Acceleration Event (75 Pts) | 7.5 |
| Fuel Economy Event (100 Pts) | 10 |
| Autocross Event (150 Pts) | 15 |
| Presentation Event (75 Pts) | 7.5 |
| Cost & Manufacturing Analysis Event (150 Pts) | 15 |
| Design Event (100 Pts) | 10 |
| Endurance Event (300 Pts) | 30 |
Formula SAE promotes careers and excellence in engineering as it encompasses all aspects of the automotive industry including research, design, manufacturing, testing, developing, marketing, management and finances. Formula SAE takes students out of the classroom and allows them to apply textbook theories to real work experiences.
Today, the competition has expanded and includes a number of spin off events. In the United States there are two locations: California and Michigan, Michigan being the largest event and longest running.
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Panther Racing Accomplishments
2021
37th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2020
Cancelled due to COVID-19.
2019
69th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
13th place at the Formula North competition in Barrie, ON.
39th place at the Formula North competition in Lincoln, NE.
2018
100th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2017
52nd place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
10th place at the Formula North competition in Barrie, ON.
2016
11th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
8th place at the Formula North competition in Barrie, ON.
16th place at the Formula SAE competition in Lincoln, NE.
2015
8th place at the Formula SAE competition in Graz Austria.
40th place at the Formula Student competition in Germany.
34th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2014
72nd place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2013
50th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
9th place at the Formula North competition in Barrie, ON.
2012
50th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2011
4th place at the Informal Formula SAE competition hosted by Goodyear Tires.
33rd place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2010
4th place at the Informal Formula SAE competition hosted by Goodyear Tires.
46th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2009
22th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2008
32ed place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2007
32ed place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2006
47th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2005
62ed place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2004
18th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2003
1st place at the Richard M. Caligiuri collegiate Invitational Race.
2002
49th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
2001
7th place at the Formula Student competition in Birmingham, England.
2000
9th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
1999
58th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
1998
44th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
1997
28th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
1996
63rd place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
1995
65th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.
1994
35th place at the Formula SAE competition in Detroit, MI.