The V-Twin Project

Formula SAE was developed in the United States of America in 1981 by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to be used as an educational tool to develop university engineering students' knowledge and skills. In 2000 the first Formula SAE competition was held in Australia. Since then the Australian event has grown to be contested by over 25 universities from Australia, America, Japan and Europe. Formula SAE events are also run in the UK and Japan.

The year long competition comprises of students designing and constructing a small formula style racecar. These cars have specifications to limit physical dimensions and engine size to ensure that the competition is not just a race, but is run as an engineering competition where students' imagination, creativity, skills, and knowledge are all tested. The competition event held in December each year at the Victoria University Werribee campus, near Melbourne covers three days of scrutineering, static and dynamic events.

The static events; worth 325 out of the 1000 points, comprise a design report, a cost report, and a presentation to judges. The dynamic events are run as individual time trials, and make up the remainder of the marks. They consist of an acceleration test, skid pad test, autocross event, and a fuel economy and endurance race.

The premise of the competition is that a manufacturing firm has engaged students to design and produce a prototype racecar. The car must be able re-producible at a cost of less than US$25,000.