Wichita State University’s Shocker racing team zoomed through competition June 16-19 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The Formula Student Automotive Engineers, FSAE, placed 22 out of 80 teams, improving on last year’s mark and laying the foundation for a successful future.

Formula SAE California is an international competition featuring student automotive engineers from across the world. Teams are judged on different aspects of the car, including cost, presentation and design, and dynamic events such as endurance and acceleration.

“The trip was fantastic,” said Wentling. “It was a great learning experience.”

Composed mainly of freshmen and sophomores, the Shocker Racing team is extraordinarily younger than its competition. It got its start in 2007.

The lack of experience almost cost Shocker Racing its best finish to date.

“We did have a little bit of a dip where we thought we were pretty much done,” said Wentling. “It took us 22 times to finally pass braking.”

Passing braking allowed Shocker Racing to continue to compete but ultimately lost them a spot in the top 15. As a result of the brake session, Shocker Racing was unable to compete in three dynamic events, costing the team valuable points.

“We should have finished in the top 15,” said Wentling.

Regardless of the outcome, Shocker Racing has much to look forward to and even more to build on.

“Every year we’ve competed, we’ve done better than the previous years,” said Wentling.

Highlights from the competition include knocking off in-state rivals University of Kansas and Kansas State University, as well as almost three-fourths of the field.

In addition to shocking the competition, Shocker Racing provides students of all majors an opportunity to hone their skills while building their resumes.

“We’re pretty much the whole business; we have to do the public relations, marketing and building of the car,” said Wentling. “We’re pretty much open to everybody.”

In an effort to increase team members, sponsorships and community awareness, Shocker Racing updates profiles on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Photobucket. Links to these accounts are available at http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=formulasae.

An increased media presence is part of Shocker Racing’s efforts to gain more sponsorships, better facilities and to become a highlight of the College of Engineering.

“We want students to know that if they come to engineering at Wichita State they can work on Shocker Racing,” said Wentling.

Business, art or any other majors are also welcome to help with public relations, design or even the building of the car.

Future goals for Shocker Racing include increased publicity and sponsorships, but it’s back to business until the next competition.

“We’re focused on creating a top 10 car,” said Wentling. “And it’s going to happen.”

For more information on Shocker Racing or Formula SAE, visit http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=formulasae or contact nwentling5@gmail.com.