NEWS
Meet the future of racing
The RMIT Racing and Electric Racing Teams have unveiled their 2017 vehicles. Find out about Formula SAE and what’s new for the teams this year.
The Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE) organises a university competition, known as Formula SAE (or FSAE). The objective is for university teams to design, build and compete in an open wheel race car. It is the largest engineering competition in the world with over 500 teams, and events on every continent
RMIT has two teams which take part in FSAE. The RMIT Racing Team which produces a traditional combustion racing car, while the RMIT Electric Racing Team produces an electric vehicle.
Both teams are made up of RMIT students under the supervision of technical staff and academic advisors.
RMIT Electric Racing
Taylor Mather, Team Manager of RMIT Electric Racing
Taylor Mather is the Team Manager of RMIT Electric Racing and is studying the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology.
Tell us a bit about RMIT Electric Racing
RMIT Electric Racing formed in 2008 and built the first electric vehicle to take part in FSAE. In Australia, RMIT Electric Racing continues to be the number one placed electric vehicle, and is every year outperforming more and more combustion rivals. RMIT Electric Racing is fully-committed to sustainable engineering.
Who is involved in RMIT Electric Racing?
This year the team is about 50 people from all across of the University, as the competition is more than just an engineering project. The management, marketing and communications aspects to the competition ensures that you do not have to be an experienced engineering student, or even interested in cars to gain value out of being involved!
What’s new for 2017?
The Electric Car for 2017 is a completely new design. The team started from scratch this year and we have tried to make our manufacturing stage a lot lighter to reduce the number of hours needed to produce parts.
What’s the team's goal for 2017?
This year we hope to be able to achieve first place in the electric field at competition in December.
What's great about being part of RMIT Electric Racing?
This team is a valuable way to increase leadership skills and get first-hand experience working in a team. This helps set you up for what it is like to be working in industry.
RMIT Racing
Kyle Tucker, Team Leader of RMIT Racing
Kyle Tucker is the Team Leader of RMIT Racing and is studying a double degree in the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)/Bachelor of Business (Management).
Tell us a bit about RMIT Racing
RMIT Racing was founded in 1999. The team has always believed in pushing the boundaries of engineering to help shape the future of the automotive industry through innovative designs and a strong implementation of fundamental engineering.
Who is involved in RMIT Racing?
RMIT Racing is about 30 people, but when you include the students, technical staff and advisors that are all actively involved, it’s closer to 50 people.
What's new for 2017?
The 2017 car is focused on reliability and allowing for the preparation of the future. Some major changes include a completely new transaxel concept, new aerodynamics and a new chassis.
What’s the team's goal for 2017?
Formula SAE Australasia is taking place from 7-10 December at Calder Park Raceway. We are looking to place in the top five this year.
What's great about being part of RMIT Racing?
The benefits of being part of a team like RMIT Racing is the experience that you get that is not available in the classroom. You gain some of the softer skills such as communication, real life experience dealings with suppliers and public speaking.
Story: Melinda Dziedzic