Blogs

What is Terps Racing?

  • Posted on: 13 April 2017
  • By: Formula

Terps Racing is an organization of about 100 students that design, build, test, and race a formula-style and baja-style racecar in collegiate design competitions each year. Terps Racing is composed of two teams: Formula SAE and Baja SAE. 

Formula SAE is an intercollegiate competition that challenges students to design, build, and race a formula style race car. Baja SAE has a similar competition structure to formula, but the goal is to design, build, and race an off-road vehicle that will survive the severe punishment of rough terrain.  During competition, industry professionals scrutinize every facet of the car’s design—from marketability and cost to performance and engineering.  Students are engaged through hands-on experience, team-building, collaboration, and much more.

Through the design, build, and testing process, students gain experience in computer aided design (CAD) modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), design analysis and testing, and leadership skills. The process culminates at competition: the formula car is put to the test through a series of dynamic challenges - acceleration, skidpad, autocross, and endurance.  The baja car faces suspension, maneuverability, towing, and endurance challenges.  If you want to learn more about automotive engineering and are ready to work hard, come join us!