BAJA SAE Collegiate Design Series
BAJA SAE
We compete in a series called BAJA SAE, an international engineering competition that tasks students with designing, building, and racing single seat off-road vehicles.
Why We Do It
Simulating real-world engineering projects, BAJA SAE allows us to gain tangible experience and hands-on skill development through out the process of designing and manufacturing of the vehicle. Other areas such as project mangement, marketing, and financial planning are also key skills that we develop through this process.
100+ Teams, 1250+ Students
As an international competition, BAJA SAE allows top schools from around the world to test their skills against each other on the track. Up to 3 races are held each year, with 100 schools per event.
20+ Industry
Top automotive and engineering companies such as Honda, Kohler, Tesla, and Polaris sponsor the competition as a way to invest in engineering education, and as a way to hire top engineering students.
5 Dynamic Events
These events put the team's car through different scenarios to measure the performance of the car, driver, and the team's decision making capabilities.
3 Static Events
BAJA SAE offers a design presentation, Cost Report & Manufacturing Analysis, and a business presentation. This requires teams to justify their decisions, and reflect on how the design is optimized and how the team is financially feasible.
Main Event - Endurance Race
The primary event of the competition, where up to 100 teams race on the same track for 4 hours non-stop.
With a track containing rock pits, logs, and jumps, it’s designed to push your car to the breaking point – and beyond. Roll-overs, suspensions falling off, and high-centering cars is something all teams plan and prepare for. Pit stops are common to weld on replacement parts, testing the team’s ability to manage problems on the go. You fix the problem and get back on the track – there is no stopping until it’s over. This is the ultimate test of a team’s design, operational efficiency, and resilience.
Dynamic Events
Acceleration Event
Designed to measure the vehicle’s ability to gain velocity from a standing start. Measured in the time to complete a 100ft flat straight.
Maneuverability Event
A test of each vehicle’s agility and handling, measured in the time it takes to complete an obstable course containing sharp turns, drop-offs, logs, and inclines.
Suspension and Traction Event
This event varies per competition, but common includes obstacles such as rock crawls, mud bogs, and other custom obstacles designed to mimic uniquely challenging off-road conditions.
Hill Climb Event
Designed to measure the vehicle’s ability to gain velocity from a standing start. Measured in the time to complete a 100ft flat straight.