Advertise on podcast: Beyond The Competition

Beyond the Competition marks a major milestone as Baja SAE celebrates 50 years of innovation, competition, and hands-on engineering education. In this episode, hosts Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz are joined by Dr. William Shapton, one of the original contributors to the creation of Baja SAE. Dr. Shapton takes listeners back to the early 1970s, when experimental design competitions like REV 73–75 laid the groundwork for what would become Baja SAE. He explains why traditional senior design programs needed change, how building and testing real vehicles reshaped engineering education, and how student competition became the catalyst for deeper learning. The conversation covers the practical challenges of launching the first events, including keeping costs low, securing industry support, and organizing competitions that schools could realistically enter. Dr. Shapton also shares memorable stories from early Baja events—from desert riverbeds and motocross tracks to nationwide expansion and international participation. This episode explores how Baja SAE influenced accreditation standards, strengthened ties between students and professional engineers, and helped inspire other collegiate competitions such as Formula SAE and Supermileage. It’s a reflective look at how a student-focused idea evolved into a global program that continues to prepare engineers for real-world problem solving. Whether you’re a current competitor, an alumnus, or simply curious about the origins of collegiate engineering competitions, this episode offers rare insight into the history, impact, and legacy of Baja SAE.

In this special episode of the SAE Beyond the Competition Podcast, we spotlight an inspiring Women in Motorsports panel discussion held at the Baja SAE Carolina event. Join us as a group of dynamic women share their experiences navigating the world of motorsports engineering, from breaking stereotypes and balancing team dynamics, to finding mentorship, tackling imposter syndrome, and leading innovations in vehicle design and leadership. Whether you’re a current competitor, alumni, or prospective team member, this panel offers valuable insight and encouragement for all genders working in STEM and motorsports fields. 🎧 Hear from passionate leaders, students, and professionals as they reflect on: • The importance of representation and visibility • Unique challenges faced by women in motorsports • Advice for the next generation of female engineers and teammates • How Baja SAE and similar programs have shaped their personal and professional growth 📍Recorded live at Baja SAE Carolina, this episode captures the energy, challenges, and triumphs of women paving the way in a competitive engineering landscape. 🔗 For more information on Baja SAE and upcoming events, visit https://bajasae.net

Headed to Baja SAE Carolina 2025? This special Know Before You Go episode of the SAE: Beyond the Competition Podcast is your essential audio companion to prepare for the event! 🎙️ Join the SAE team as we walk through everything students, faculty advisors, and volunteers need to know before arriving in South Carolina. From on-site registration procedures to technical inspection expectations, event safety, and team logistics, this episode is packed with important insights, reminders, and tips to help your team succeed on and off the track. 📍Whether you’re a rookie team or a seasoned competitor, this is your chance to get a head start on the competition weekend. ✅ Topics include: • What to bring (and what not to!) • Event site layout and pit etiquette • Static and dynamic event walkthroughs • Safety rules and enforcement • On-site support from SAE and volunteers 🔗 For maps, schedules, and official updates, visit: https://www.bajasae.net Don’t show up unprepared — listen in and share with your whole team!

In this episode of the SAE Tomorrow Today podcast, we spotlight Anish Srivastava, recipient of the SAE International Award for Outstanding Student Leadership in STEM Honoring Max Rumbaugh. Anish shares his path as a student leader, the impact of volunteering within SAE, and how mentorship and service have shaped both his career and community. Listeners will discover: • The significance of the Max Rumbaugh Student Leadership Award • How Anish balanced academics, leadership, and service in STEM • Why mentorship is vital for the next generation of engineers • Insights for students looking to get involved with SAE International 🔗 Nominations are open through September 30. Learn more and submit here: https://www.sae.org/participate/awards/sae-international-award-for-outstanding-student-leadership-in-stem-honoring-max-rumbaugh

In this special episode from Formula SAE EV 2025, we sit down for the Empowering Women in Mobility panel featuring leaders from General Motors, PACCAR, Kenworth, and Rivian Volkswagen Technologies. Panelists Jessica Swan, Jackie Zimney, Zuzana Pankovcin, Tasha Krug, Emily Wilson, and Gayathri Gatla share their journeys into STEM and the mobility industry, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities that shaped their careers. From launching electric vehicles at Rivian to recruiting top engineering talent at PACCAR, each story highlights resilience, mentorship, and the importance of diversity in driving innovation. Key topics include: • Career pivots and unexpected opportunities in mobility • Overcoming high-stakes technical and cultural challenges • How diversity improves product design and engineering teams • Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM and motorsports This panel offers candid advice and empowering stories for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about the future of sustainable mobility.

In this episode of Beyond the Competition, we sit down with two powerhouse minds from the mobility and defense sectors: Kevin Kwiatkowski, VP of Engineering at Pratt Miller, and Joe DeHaan, Chief Engineer at Oshkosh Corporation. We dive into their collaborative innovations, from the high-speed world of motorsports with Corvette Racing to cutting-edge electrification and autonomous vehicle technology. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about how Pratt Miller’s racing-derived tech is improving firefighting vehicles, insights from hosting Baja SAE in Oshkosh, and reflections on their own journeys as former Baja and Formula SAE student competitors. Plus, learn how these industry leaders support the next generation through SAE Collegiate Design Series events and what opportunities are available for students today. 🔧 Topics Covered: • Evolution of Pratt Miller & Oshkosh partnership • CAMS system: From race track to emergency scenes • Electric and autonomous vehicle development • Hosting and sponsoring SAE CDS events • Tips for student teams and future engineers • Career opportunities at Oshkosh and Pratt Miller 📺 Watch Baja SAE Oshkosh 2023 highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hy3WXps_w 📱 Follow @SAE_UniversityPrograms on TikTok & Instagram To learn more about careers at Oshkosh Corporation or to stay connected about future opportunities in your area of interest, visit careers.oshkoshcorp.com/

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors. Congratulations 0:39 Workshop Visits 1:01 Want us to visit your school? Email [email protected] Look Back at Aero Design 1:31 SAE Mentor Program 2:32 Learn more: https://sae.to/4kxFDa2 Look Back at Baja 2:51 Beyond the Competition Podcast 4:31 CDS Photos 4:43 https://saebrand.widencollective.com/portals/oefbjrtu/CDSPortal Look Back at Formula 4:55 Photo Portal https://saebrand.widencollective.com/portals/oefbjrtu/CDSPortal Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sae_universityprograms/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sae_universityprograms Share videos and images for Social Media at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/b0rvk55x72uhi11gn1brk/h?dl=0&rlkey=qbvssxmkxm0ikywzffyuvnzrs *News Feeds SAE Aero Design News Feed: www.saeaerodesign.com/go/news Formula SAE News Feed: https://www.fsaeonline.com/cdsweb/app/news.aspx Baja SAE News Feed: https://bajasae.net/cdsweb/app/news.aspx #FSAE #BajaSAE #FormulaSAE #SAECompetitions #ElectricVehicles #GoProFootage #CleanSnowmobileChallenge #SAEChapters #SAEMembership #StudentEngineering #EngineeringCompetitions #UniversityPrograms #Motorsports #STEMEducation #FormulaEV #EngineeringStudents #SAEInternational #FSAEEV #StudentProjects #MotorsportEngineering #VehicleDesign #TechInnovation #OnsiteEvents #CompetitionPrep #IndustrialLecturers #SAECommunity

In this episode, Carson Wilke joins the show to share his journey from competing in Formula SAE at Texas A&M to becoming a rocket engineer at Relativity Space. Carson discusses his current role working on quick disconnect systems that enable rockets to launch safely and efficiently, and how his FSAE experience laid the foundation for his engineering career—right down to being hired by one of his design finals judges. He reflects on the intense heat of the Las Vegas competition, the importance of team collaboration, and how the hands-on experience from SAE events directly translates into the high-stakes world of aerospace engineering. Carson also highlights his ongoing involvement as a judge and sponsor, encouraging current students to value teamwork, seize networking opportunities, and treat every interaction as a potential career connection. From FSAE to launching rockets, Carson offers practical advice and inspiration to the next generation of engineers. 👉 Subscribe to SAE Beyond the Competition on your favorite podcast app or watch new episodes on the SAE University Programs YouTube channel to stay connected with the future of engineering.

In this special “Know Before You Go” edition, host Mike Sorg is joined by SAE Program Manager Damon Andring and Maryland event organizer Zach Love to give teams an essential rundown ahead of Baja SAE Maryland 2025. The episode covers everything students need to know to be ready for the week, including: • Crucial Documents: Be sure to bring your Fast Track roster and latest tech inspection sheets, fully completed and signed. • Site Expectations: Respect all volunteers, follow safety rules (no alcohol, weapons, or open-toed shoes), and make use of the Baja SAE app for real-time updates. • Weather & Safety: Expect hot, humid weather with potential rain over the weekend. Hydration, sun protection, and storm preparation are emphasized. • Logistics & Arrival: No early arrivals before 6 a.m. due to local restrictions. Engine check numbers are randomized, so there’s no advantage to arriving early. • Site Info: The Maryland track features hilly terrain and wide visibility for spectators. It’s a 20–30 minute drive to the nearest town, so plan food and supply runs accordingly. • Event Highlights: Thursday evening will feature a Women in Mobility panel, promoting inclusion and conversation within the mobility industry. Zach also previews dynamic events and endurance, highlighting an exciting motocross-style track with optional route strategies for drivers. 🎧 Call to Action Make sure you’re subscribed to Beyond the Competition on your favorite podcast app, and follow SAE University Programs on YouTube for updates, highlights, and special episodes like this. Don’t forget to download the Baja SAE app for live event communication and weather alerts. ➡️ Subscribe on your podcast app or at SAE University Programs YouTube ➡️ Follow @sae_universityprograms on Instagram and TikTok for more behind-the-scenes content!

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors. Congratulations 0:45 UCLA Workshop visits 0:55
 Live Stream 1:12
 SAE Survey 2:37 https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8321547/8847ec199459 Baja Maryland Business Presentation Finalists 2:51
 https://www.bajasae.net/app/SimpleScheduleViewer.aspx?scheduleid=dd0f1ca0-596d-4849-a1a5-8c5581401388 New Baja Rules Posted 3:13 Update Baja SAE Tech Sheet 3:28 
https://www.bajasae.net/cdsweb/gen/DownloadDocument.aspx?DocumentID=e51f92c0-1066-4d34-b19c-d1723e5f4e8b 
 Formula EV PACCAR Discharge Station Onsite 3:40 
https://www.fsaeonline.com/cdsweb/gen/DownloadDocument.aspx?DocumentID=95c5483e-8de0-41a6-8220-533efe407c1c Formula SAE Workshop 4:20 https://www.sae.org/attend/student-events/formula-workshop Photo Portal https://saebrand.widencollective.com/portals/oefbjrtu/CDSPortal Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sae_universityprograms/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sae_universityprograms Share videos and images for Social Media at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/b0rvk55x72uhi11gn1brk/h?dl=0&rlkey=qbvssxmkxm0ikywzffyuvnzrs *News Feeds SAE Aero Design News Feed: www.saeaerodesign.com/go/news Formula SAE News Feed: https://www.fsaeonline.com/cdsweb/app/news.aspx Baja SAE News Feed: https://bajasae.net/cdsweb/app/news.aspx #FSAE #BajaSAE #FormulaSAE #SAECompetitions #ElectricVehicles #GoProFootage #CleanSnowmobileChallenge #SAEChapters #SAEMembership #StudentEngineering #EngineeringCompetitions #UniversityPrograms #Motorsports #STEMEducation #FormulaEV #EngineeringStudents #SAEInternational #FSAEEV #StudentProjects #MotorsportEngineering #VehicleDesign #TechInnovation #OnsiteEvents #CompetitionPrep #IndustrialLecturers #SAECommunity

In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we welcome Matt Wasowski, the producer of virtual events for SAE International. Matt shares the behind-the-scenes story of SAE’s transition into impactful and accessible online events—developed during the pandemic but continuing strong today. We explore how these events offer real-time industry insights, including timely topics like EV infrastructure and AI in mobility, all while staying free and open to the public. Matt also explains his unique approach to finding global speakers, building engaging programming, and bringing people together from up to 18 different time zones at once. With a background in major events like New York Comic Con, Matt brings a passion for community-building and content curation—plus, he shares a hilarious story involving Mark Hamill. Whether you’re an SAE member or just an engineering enthusiast, you’ll get a better understanding of how SAE’s virtual events are expanding the organization’s global reach and creating meaningful connections in the mobility space. 👉 Subscribe now to SAE Beyond the Competition on your favorite podcast app or watch on the SAE University Programs YouTube channel. Don’t miss future episodes that take you behind the scenes of the engineering competitions and innovations shaping the future!

CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors.
 Know Before You Go 0:26 Fast Track Rosters 0:38
Email [email protected] if you have trouble finding it. Live Stream 0:56 Baja Maryland 1:43 Baja SAE Maryland Meal Form https://www.bajasae.net/CompResources/2025/992027db-75df-441e-8d54-82df0514e484/2025-Maryland-Pre-order-Food-Info.pdf [email protected] Formula EV Virtual Presentations 2:06 https://www.fsaeonline.com/cdsweb/app/NewsItem.aspx?NewsItemID=e92de119-a26c-4330-bc89-8618b0e89595 Ilmor Engineering Specialty Award 2:24 Formula EV Hotels 2:51 https://www.sae.org/attend/student-events/formula-sae-electric/attend/hotel-travel Formula SAE Workshop 3:03 https://www.sae.org/attend/student-events/formula-workshop Photo Portal https://saebrand.widencollective.com/portals/oefbjrtu/CDSPortal Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sae_universityprograms/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sae_universityprograms Share videos and images for Social Media at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/b0rvk55x72uhi11gn1brk/h?dl=0&rlkey=qbvssxmkxm0ikywzffyuvnzrs *News Feeds SAE Aero Design News Feed: www.saeaerodesign.com/go/news Formula SAE News Feed: https://www.fsaeonline.com/cdsweb/app/news.aspx Baja SAE News Feed: https://bajasae.net/cdsweb/app/news.aspx #FSAE #BajaSAE #FormulaSAE #SAECompetitions #ElectricVehicles #GoProFootage #CleanSnowmobileChallenge #SAEChapters #SAEMembership #StudentEngineering #EngineeringCompetitions #UniversityPrograms #Motorsports #STEMEducation #FormulaEV #EngineeringStudents #SAEInternational #FSAEEV #StudentProjects #MotorsportEngineering #VehicleDesign #TechInnovation #OnsiteEvents #CompetitionPrep #IndustrialLecturers #SAECommunity

In this episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, we’re joined by the Endurance Event captains for Formula SAE IC: Laura Krauser, Matt Kalmus, and Cory Johnson. Together, they break down important updates to the Endurance Event format for the 2025 competition. The trio discusses the evolution of the event’s operations, including the strategic scheduling structure aimed at improving team communication and flow throughout Saturday’s dynamic events. Key highlights include a new data-informed model for assigning team arrival times at fuel and staging, methods to avoid penalties, and how real-time updates will be communicated—rain or shine. The team also touches on the roles of pink-vested staff, practice session flow, and what captains can (and can’t) help with during the event. Whether you’re heading to the Michigan International Speedway or tuning in from the shop, this episode is essential listening to navigate Endurance smoothly this year. 📢 Subscribe to “SAE Beyond the Competition” on your favorite podcast app or watch the latest updates on the SAE University Programs YouTube channel. Stay informed and make sure your team is competition-ready!

In this “Know Before You Go” episode, SAE University Programs Media Producer Mike Sorg and CDS Action News host Scott Schultz sit down with Zeke Bowden, Competition Director, and Glenn Cashion, Airboss, to walk teams through everything they need to know before arriving at SAE Aero Design East 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. Listeners will get a comprehensive overview of: • The event structure and key contacts, including SAE staff, core volunteers, and Thunderbirds field personnel. • Site layout and directions to Thunderbird Field at Lake Benbrook, including the proper entrance (Mustang Park Gate), parking setup, and restricted areas. • Daily schedules for May 2–4, including inspection, flight sessions, pilot briefings, and the awards ceremony. • Safety and procedural requirements like inspection and self-certification through SAE STARS, rules on field access, weather preparedness, and prohibited items. • Tips for success from Zeke and Glenn, emphasizing preparedness, sportsmanship, and enjoying the competition. A strong reminder: print your Fast Track roster ahead of time, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and respect all field and wildlife regulations. 🚀 Bonus: The event will be livestreamed, including the flight rounds and awards, for those unable to attend in person. 👉 Subscribe to Beyond the Competition on your favorite podcast platform and follow SAE University Programs on YouTube and social media for event coverage and updates.

Get ready for Baja SAE Arizona 2025! In this special episode of SAE Beyond the Competition, host Scott Schultz sits down with Damon Andring, Program Manager for Baja SAE, to break down everything teams need to know before heading to Tucson, Arizona. 🎯 Learn about: • Site logistics and key entrance info • Tech inspection tips and registration requirements • Safety guidelines on an active farm venue • Hydration and heat preparedness • Livestream details for the Endurance event • Networking with sponsors (and landing internships!) • The Empowering Women in Mobility panel happening Thursday 📍This year’s Baja is held at a working pumpkin patch, adding a fun and unique twist to the competition layout and spectator access! 🚨 Don’t forget to download the Baja SAE app for real-time event updates and bring your Fast Track rosters printed and signed! 📺 SUBSCRIBE for more competition insights, team stories, and event previews from SAE University Programs: https://www.youtube.com/@saeuniversityprograms 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update!