Drexel University students again show off the diversity of their skills by competing in the 25th annual Formula SAE competition in Detroit Michigan from May 18th to the 21st. Sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the competition challenges young engineers to have fun designing, building, testing, and racing their very own open-wheeled formula car.

The competition is broken down into several different events which test the various capabilities of each car. The events test acceleration and skid pad, and include a short autocross course, as well as a larger 13 mile endurance event. In addition to these tests, the cars compete in three other areas which include a full manufacturing report, a sales presentation, and lastly a design critique of each car. Each school is awarded points depending on their placement against other schools, and the school earning the highest number of points over the entire weekend is crowned the champion for the year.

The students from Drexel University that make up the 2004/2005 Formula SAE team include roughly 25 students from various colleges throughout the University. Each student brings to the table their own various skills such as welding, machining, fabrication, engine tuning, and driving ability to make a well rounded and smooth running team.

Highlights for Drexel's Formula SAE team this year include a 3rd place finish in the acceleration event, a 2nd place for the design of the engine cooling system for the car along with a first place award for the quietest car. For the overall competition, Drexel's team finished with a respectable 21st place out of 140 other schools from around the world.

Next on the list for Drexel's Formula SAE team is their first ever international competition in Birmingham England in early July. Here they will compete against 80+ schools from around the world with the goal of taking home a top place finish.

If you would like more information about Drexel University's Formula SAE team please contact fsae@drexel.edu with any questions or visit their website at www.pages.drexel.edu/fsae.