Tucked away in the College of Engineering lies a garage with two race cars that have been meticulously built, tested, driven and constantly improved upon by San Jose State’s Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Formula team.
In Formula SAE, every team designs their own car, and creates most of the components in-house. Teams are given a specific set of guidelines on all aspects of the car, which can only be worked on, tested and driven by college students.
This year, the team is competing with both electric and combustion engine cars.
Ashwin Viswesvaran, a mechanical engineering senior, is the chief engineer of Spartan Racingand has been a member since 2019.
“I came to SJSU because a friend of mine said they have a racing team here,” Viswesvaran said. “I came out here, saw the shop, and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Right away, I knew I had to join.”
The team competes in the Formula SAE, a collegiate design series that dates back to the 1980s where schools from around the world build and race small Formula One inspired cars.
Points are given based on both dynamic and static events that test both the design and capabilities of the cars, as well as the engineering and presentation skills of the students.
“As Chief Engineer, I am responsible for setting the requirements for the season, determining what the car is going to look, and working with the team to make sure we can execute everything correctly,” said Viswesvaran.
Spartan Racing is split into different teams with each person having a dedicated role for working on the cars. There are about sixty members working on every aspect of the cars.
Kanishk Varun is a graduate student from India and chose to enroll in SJSU because of Spartan Racing.
“We basically create everything that goes on the chassis, and make sure the car makes enough downforce so it sticks to the ground,” Varun said. “I saw that they had a good strong team, and I hoped that this could take my learning to the next level”.
Along with the cars, the team also manages the business side of racing, including sponsors, media relations and finances.
Kai Rehbinder, a mechanical engineering sophomore, is the team’s project manager and has been a part of the team since last year.
“I am mainly responsible for making sure the team gets their act together and produces a good car,” Rehbinder said. “At the end of the day, our job is to put a car on the ground and make it run”.
Varun said his favorite part of being on the Spartan Racing team was the social interaction he had with his teammates.
“Everyone in our clubroom has something special to offer. It’s been a huge honor to learn from so many amazing people,” Varun said.
