GVSU Competing at International Collegiate Racing Event

A group of Grand Valley State University students are competing at one of the world’s largest collegiate autocross car competitions May 13-16 at Michigan International Speedway.

Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is an educational competition that challenges students to design, build and test formula-style race cars. The competition started in 1979 and has grown to include events around the world, with Michigan’s being the longest running and largest. About 120 teams will participate this year.

This is the first time Grand Valley is participating in the competition.

A team of 25 GVSU students began the project in August 2014 and met weekly to build the car in the Keller Engineering Labs.

The car has a Honda 600 CBR RR engine (a motorcycle engine) that can hit speeds up to 80 miles per hour.

GVSU will race several times throughout the day, May 14-16.

The winner is determined by the highest cumulative score of inspections and testing, which include brake and acceleration tests, design judging and a business plan presentation.

The team has raised $38,000 from sponsors in West Michigan.