Racing Team Speeds to Best Finish
at SAE Event
A University of Texas at Dallas student-led auto racing team finished second among Texas teams and 29th overall at a recent international competition.
Dallas Formula Racing, a UTD chapter of Formula SAE, participated in the SAE International competition in May at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan. The competition, which featured collegiate teams, challenges students to conceive, design, fabricate, develop and compete with small, Formula-style vehicles.
UTD’s internal combustion team placed second overall for vehicle aesthetics and build quality with a car that students designed and built on campus, fueling the Comets to their best finish in the event.
The UTD team significantly improved its performance from last year when it placed 66th overall. This year’s competition was the first time the team completed each driving test, which included acceleration, endurance and autocross.
“This year’s competition was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” mechanical engineering junior Ricardo Toccoli said. “I will never forget this trip and the many memorable moments.”
Brandon Shaffer BS’24, former powertrain lead, said it was an “overwhelming feeling” to see the car pass the line in the endurance competition.
“It was the feeling of every emotion I’ve ever felt all at once. The feelings of accomplishment, love, trust, teamwork and hard work radiated from the team, and everyone rushed to see the car. The amount of hugging and tears shed was incredible,” Shaffer said.
About 150 students from a variety of majors participate in Dallas Formula Racing, which also includes an electric vehicle team. The organization receives technical and financial support from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Since the team was founded in 2014, students have built three small, Formula-style vehicles in their shop, now at the Engineering and Computer Science West building.
“This team has grown into itself so much in the last two semesters,” said mechanical engineering senior Nolan Westrope, manufacturing lead. “We never would have dreamed of having such a productive car, and we’re making waves like we never have before.”
The team has hosted presentations at STEM fairs and a driver appreciation day to build community interest in its work.
“Seeing the team take on challenges and try new things has been incredibly inspiring,” said computer engineering sophomore Apurva Betgar, current powertrain lead. “This year has been a whole lot of fun, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the team’s future.”
A version of this story appeared in News Center.