The right formula: SAE competition continues at MIS for fifth year

BROOKLYN, MI--May 7, 2012: — Nearly 2,000 students representing about 120 registered teams from around the world will compete in one of the most prestigious of the SAE Collegiate Design Series events this week at Michigan International Speedway.

The event will take place Thursday, May 10 through Saturday, May 12.

Formula SAE is an educational competition that challenges university undergraduate and graduate engineering students to design, build and compete in scaled-down, Formula-style autocross race cars. Only three similar competitions of this magnitude are held by Formula SAE in the United States — in California, Virginia and Michigan.

It is the fifth consecutive year MIS has hosted the competition. The racetrack’s 100-acre infield is the perfect venue for the series as it provides ample space for the teams. Teams will be staying in area hotels and dining in restaurants throughout their stay thus creating an economic impact for the local communities surrounding MIS.

“This event further demonstrates the impact Michigan International Speedway has on the community and on the state – and not just on our race weekends,” speedway President Roger Curtis said. “Teams from around the world are competing in this extremely popular event, making MIS a truly international venue. That equates to visitors coming to the state and experiencing all the great things this state and the Irish Hills has to offer.”

Teams from Venezuela, South Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, Singapore, Finland, Austria, Canada and the United States are registered for the event. Local schools from Michigan competing include Ferris State University, Kettering University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, University of Michigan, University of Michigan Dearborn, Lawrence Tech and Western Michigan University.

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 the knowledge, creativity and imagination of the students are challenged. The cars are built with a team effort over a period of about a 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 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.

Spectators are welcomed to attend. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the Formula SAE website at FSAE for details.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

All race tickets are on sale at MISpeedway or by phone at 800-354-1010.

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook. You can also follow track president Roger Curtis on Twitter at@MISRoger.

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Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule

Saturday, May 19 Great Lakes Wine Fest presented by Jackson County CVB

Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200

Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 and Gatorade Pole Day

Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Friday, Aug. 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice

Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200 and Gatorade Pole Day

Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 Tuesday, Sept. 11 Spirit of America Blood Drive