Oakland University has had a long history with SAE collegiate competition. We began competing in the Super Mileage competition where we had much success; 1st -1978, 2nd and 3rd -1994. In the mid 90s our chapter made the switch to the Formula SAE competition. After a few attempts at the competition, 2003 became a breakthrough year as Oakland University placed 13th of 130 teams and set the record for best improvement year to year of any team after placing 123rd in 2002 for a jump of 110 positions!

Currently, Oakland University’s Formula SAE Team is an up and coming group of students. During the 2008-2009 season, our group went through a large restructuring that we believe resulted in stronger foundation and focus for the group. Justifying our new stance, the team was able to complete every event at the 2009 Formula SAE Michigan competition for the first time since 2003.

That same mindset has carried over to the 2009-2010 season and continues to progress. We are no longer limited to only engineering students; this year we have brought in business, advertising and computer science majors to move the venture towards a more full-circle business exercise. As a result of our efforts, in the 2009-2010 Season we have grown from about 9 members to nearly 30 and have brought in fresh support from the University and community. The team set an improved placement at the Michigan competition, placing 32nd out of 120 teams. The 2010 car became the predecessor for 2011.

2011 was a record breaking year for Oakland University.  We took the basics of the 2010 car and made a few major modifications to make it the fastest and most reliable vehicle in school history. The team showed true talent at the California competition placing 11th overall.

We encourage you to come visit us at Oakland University and see what we have going on (Contact Us). As the only school of Oakland County and Automation Alley competing in Formula SAE, keep an eye out for us during the summer months at the Woodward Dream Cruise, the Meadow Brook Concours dElegance, Rockin Rods in Rochester and testing at SCCA autocrosses. We look forward to meeting you as we continually develop our presence in Oakland University, the community and industry close by.