MF 12
4/26/2025 5:00 PM
Who We Are
We are a group of passionate and dedicated students who compete in the Formula SAE (FSAE) competition which is an international collegiate engineering challenge where student teams design, build, and race small, formula- style race cars. Our Society of Automotive Engineers Chapter was founded in 1991 and the MINES FORMULA team was created in 2012. Since then, we have worked hard to continuously improve our knowledge base by connecting with industry professionals, learning new software, and validating our designs through testing. Mines Formula gives engineering students hands-on project experience with all elements of the car, from building carbon fiber wings to tuning the Honda CBR 600 RR engine. Based in Golden, Colorado, the team has access to Colorado School of Mines’ world-class facilities making us competitive against other top universities in the country.
Our Competition
Different Events:
FSAE competitions typically consist of various events that test different aspects of the car’s performance and the team’s engineering capabilities:
Static Events:
- Design Presentation: Teams must explain the rationale behind their car’s design choices to a panel of judges.
- Cost Analysis: Students prepare a cost report, demonstrating their ability to manage a budget.
Dynamic Events:
- Acceleration: Evaluates the car’s straight-line speed and acceleration.
- Skid Pad: Tests the car’s lateral acceleration and handling.
- Autocross: A time-trial event that assesses the car’s agility and handling on a tight course.
- Endurance Race: A grueling endurance race that assesses the car’s reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.
- Fuel Efficiency: Judges the car’s fuel economy during a specific event.
What Our Students Learn
Real World Engineering Experience
FSAE provides students with a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical engineering challenges. They gain hands-on experience in designing, manufacturing, and testing a race car, which is invaluable in preparing them for future engineering careers.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Building a Formula SAE car requires collaboration among students from various engineering disciplines, simulating the multidisciplinary nature of the automotive industry. Students learn to work as a team, share responsibilities, and leverage each other’s strengths.
Innovation and Problem Solving Skills
Networking and Industry Exposure
Competing in FSAE provides students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals, potential employers, and fellow students from around the world. It can lead to internships, job offers, and collaborations.
Project Management
FSAE teams must manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively. This experience teaches students project management skills, a vital skill in any professional field.
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