Volunteers Sought for Formula SAE Lincoln Event Supported by SCCA
TOPEKA, Kan. (May 20, 2016) -- For a fifth consecutive year, the Sports Car Club of America is playing a large part in the organization of the Formula SAE® Lincoln event being held June 15-18 at Lincoln Airpark, the same venue for the Tire Rack Solo Nationals Presented by Garmin VIRB.
Each year, SCCA members help design the test courses, oversee safety, judge designs and generally make sure the event is a hit. So once again, the call goes out for generous volunteers to help with tech inspection, testing, paddock patrol, registration, event management, event operations and even announcing. Register to help at the Formula SAE Volunteer webpage.
To sweeten the deal, Howard Duncan, SCCA Senior Director of Solo and Rally, said volunteers that work the dynamic events on Friday or Saturday can count their involvement toward the Club Racing VIP program for workers. And Solo enthusiasts that volunteer their time earn a free entry to the Nebraska Region Solo being held June 19 after Formula SAE wraps up.
“This is one of my top five favorite events each year as I get to see the future of motorsport and the automotive industry on display as these amazing students compete in an event that is a joy to watch and help operate,” Duncan said. “As the old ad slogan goes, ’Try it, you’ll like it’ and you will want to come back year after year just as I have done!”
At last year’s event, nearly 70 teams were on hand with more than 1,100 students in tow to take part in the competition. Formula SAE is a student design competition organized by SAE International (formerly Society of Automotive Engineers). The concept behind Formula SAE is that a fictional manufacturing company has contracted a design team to develop a small Formula-style race car. The prototype race car is to be evaluated for its potential as a production item. The target marketing group for the race car is the non-professional, weekend autocross racer. Each student team designs, builds and tests a prototype based on a series of rules whose purpose is both to ensure onsite event operations and promote clever problem solving.
Formula SAE promotes careers and excellence in engineering as it encompasses all aspects of the automotive industry including research, design, manufacturing, testing, developing, marketing, management and finances. Formula SAE takes students out of the classroom and allows them to apply textbook theories to real work experiences.
Those needing more information or wishing to volunteer can also contact Clancy Schmidt, SCCA Project Manager, at Clancy@sunflower.com, or Raleigh Boreen, SCCA Regional Solo Development Coordinator, at rvboreen@gmail.com.
Photo: The Cal Poly Pomona Formula SAE racecar
Credit: Garlin Sproule
