Bullet Racing Team prepares for international competition

Friday, May 3, 2024

Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor | 405-744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University's Bullet Racing team is finalizing its car for the upcoming SAE International competition. 

This student-run team — comprised mainly of engineering majors but welcoming students of all majors — designs, builds and races a formula-style vehicle each year. The SAE International competition will take place May 8-11 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.

The team focused on improving handling and overall performance for its car this year.  Suspension design refinement, increased engine power output and addressing prior steering problems were critical focus areas. Furthermore, a complete redesign of the car's aerodynamic features — including the diffuser, front and rear wings, sidepods and nose cone — was undertaken.

"This year, we’re perfecting what we did last year, in addition to redesigning some components," said Nicholas Napoliello, a mechanical and aerospace engineering sophomore who will be the club’s representative and material lead next year. "I think most of us are proud of where we’ve gotten. I know everyone likes how the car looks, and the visual aspects have improved."

The team encountered various challenges throughout the build process, including time constraints and unexpected manufacturing setbacks. However, team members creatively overcame these hurdles and demonstrated their resourcefulness and problem-solving skills. This involved outsourcing specific components and collaboratively redesigning car elements.

"We’re not just a group of people," said Aidan Rogers, a mechanical engineering junior who will be the team’s president next year. "We’re all friends, and we all have the same goals. We all do the same things and put in an insane amount of effort. There’s a whole lot of respect that goes on around here."

The Bullet Racing team is proud of the car's development and has set a goal of finishing in the top 10 at the competition. They also believe that the Formula SAE experience is invaluable for aspiring engineers.

"This is one of the best, if not the best, thing you can do as an engineering student to get on your resume because it really teaches you how real-life engineering goes, not just what your classes teach you," Napoliello said. “I would recommend that anyone join and try it out. Even if you’re not into cars, it’s a great thing to learn."

Story By: Mak Vandruff | makenzie.vandruff@okstate.edu