For the first time in four years, Kettering University's Formula SAE team completed every dynamic event and finished the endurance competition at Formula SAE 2026, achieving a major milestone while introducing an entirely new engine platform after nearly two decades of competing with single-cylinder powertrains.
Competing against more than 100 collegiate teams from around the world, Kettering finished 56th overall and recorded strong performances across several events, including 24th in Acceleration, 40th in Presentation, 40th in Endurance, 43rd in Design, and 51st in the Cost Event.
Formula SAE challenges students to design, manufacture, test, and compete with a formula-style race car while balancing performance, cost, business presentation, engineering design, and vehicle reliability.
"What might surprise people most is that getting a Formula SAE car to competition is truly a year-long commitment," said Christopher Ordoobadi, the team’s Aerodynamics lead. "We prepare all year for competition. During early summer, we test the car at the Mobility Research Center and learn how to improve it. In the mid to late summer, we move into designing the next car, and in the winter, we focus on manufacturing."
One of the team's most significant accomplishments came during the endurance event, widely regarded as the most demanding portion of the competition. Only 43 teams completed all 10 endurance laps, and Kettering was among them.
The 2026 vehicle marked the team's first transition to an inline twin-cylinder powertrain after 17 years of competing with various single-cylinder engines. The change was intended to improve vehicle robustness, drivability, and overall power delivery while maintaining the reliability required to compete across the competition's dynamic events.
The endurance event, widely regarded as the competition's most demanding challenge, highlighted the reliability of the team's new vehicle. Only 43 teams completed all 10 endurance laps, and Kettering was among them.
"To be successful, it takes the coordination of many different elements and subsystems required to make the car run and perform at the highest level," Ordoobadi said. "It is the dedication of a team working together that makes the car happen. The strongest teams get the strongest results."
For Ordoobadi, one moment stood above the rest during the competition.
"One moment this year that reminded me why all the late nights were worth it was watching Jack get out of the car after completing all laps of the endurance event," he said. "It was the first time our team had successfully completed all dynamic events and completed endurance in the past four years, and it gave me an immense sense of pride in our team."
The accomplishment reflects the hands-on, industry-focused learning that defines the Kettering experience. Through Formula SAE, students gain experience in vehicle dynamics, powertrain integration, manufacturing, testing, project management, and teamwork while preparing for careers across the automotive and mobility industries.
Following the Formula SAE Electric competition later this year, Ordoobadi will assume the role of overall Formula SAE team lead.
"For me, sharing in a team's success is one of the most powerful and satisfying feelings," Ordoobadi said. "It drives me to want to build on this year's success and help the team reach even higher levels in the future."
