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| OU's Society of Automotive Engineers designs and builds a formula style race car for competitions across the U.S. and in Canada. |
Fresh off displaying their 2014 formula style race car at the this year’s North American International Auto Show, members of the Oakland University Society of Automotive Engineers student chapter are gearing up for their first competition of the year. The team will roll out its 2015 vehicle at the Formula SAE Michigan event May 13-16 at Michigan International Speedway. Around 120 SAE collegiate chapters are expected to compete, each vying for top rankings on the state, national and international level.
In competition, each student-designed and manufactured vehicle is judged by a panel of industry professionals in areas ranging from cost analysis to dynamic performance. Following its strong finish in 2014, Oakland is looking to build its reputation as one of the best SAE chapters in state and beyond. The roughly 30-member grizzlies racing team is currently ranked 59th out of more than 500 collegiate SAE chapters worldwide and also ranks 19th in the nation and third in the state.
Competing with the world’s best requires access to professional-grade equipment and technologies. Oakland’s SAE chapter relies on generous support from sponsors to help fuel its success.
Our students represent OU in competitions against many great universities that are much larger than we are and have much higher levels of financial support,” said Dr. Brian Sangeorzan, professor of mechanical engineering and faculty advisor to the OU SAE student chapter. “The annual cost to bring a vehicle from a ‘clean sheet of paper’ to reality, and then travel to competitions, is beyond our means. Without the generous support of our sponsors we simply could not compete. Our sponsors enable us to compete on a high level against the best in the world.”
Following the SAE Michigan event in May, Oakland’s schedule also includes stops at Barrie, Ontario and Lincoln, Nebraska in June, Toronto in September and various local events through the summer.
Along with formula SAE competitions, Oakland’s SAE chapter regularly participates in many other events, including the Woodward Dream Cruise, Concours d’Elegance of America, Rockin’ Rods in Rochester and Autorama at Cobo Center.
For more information about Oakland’s SAE chapter, email ousae@oakland.edu or visit the website at http://grizzliesracing.com. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, download the brochure and sponsor form.