MIS To Host SAE Competition For Third Consecutive Year

BROOKLYN, May 12, 2010: Nearly 2,000 students representing 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 from May 12-15.

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 third consecutive year that 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 many countries, including Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Mexico, Venezuela, South Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, India, Finland, Austria, Brazil, Canada and the United States are registered for the event. Local schools from Michigan are also competing, including Ferris State University, Kettering University, Michigan Tech, Michigan State, Monroe County Community College, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, the University of Michigan 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.com.

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.

MIS tickets are on sale. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets for the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 on June 13 and CARFAX 400 on August 15 are as low as $25. Visit MISpeedway.com or call the MIS ticket hotline at 800-354-1010 today to take advantage of great pricing for 2010 events at MIS.

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