The Formula SAE® competition is for SAE student members to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with small formula-style racing cars. The restrictions on the car frame and engine are limited so that the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the students are challenged. The cars are built with a team effort over a period of about one year and are taken to the annual competition for judging and comparison with approximately 120 other vehicles from colleges and universities throughout the world. The end result is a great experience for young engineers in a meaningful engineering project as well as the opportunity of working in a dedicated team effort.

Formula SAE began in 1981 with only four Universities entering the competition. Since then, it has evolved to six annual international events, attracting over 250 universities, making it the largest and one of the most prestigious student design competitions in the world. The North American events are a four-day competition, taking place at the Ford Proving Grounds in Detroit, Michigan and California International Speedway in Fontana, California.