Students majoring in mechanical engineering have been able to gain practical experience through Knights Racing at the University of Central Florida’s Formula team for the past quarter of a century.
Isaac Assael, the photojournalist for the club, expressed his appreciation for being a member of the organization when he was reflecting on an award that was given in the year 2003.
According to Assael, “Just the fact that you have the opportunity to participate in this kind of club makes you feel extremely grateful.”
The college club provides you with the opportunity to gain practical engineering skills and gain an understanding of how the industry operates.
According to Assael, the word Formula is derived from the rules and regulations that govern the racing series.
In addition, he mentioned that the group was responsible for instructing students of mechanical engineering on how to construct a race car for the annual competition held by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Formula members have stated that they are looking back on these awards because they want to honor all those who have come before them.
This is because they are getting ready to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the club, which began in the year 2000.
According to Riley Chunko, who is the powertrain lead for Formula, the team will not only share historical photographs on social media, but they will also utilize the anniversary to propel the team toward the future by reintroducing the club’s very first paint design, which was created in the year 2000, for the car that will be used this year.
According to Chunko, “We are doing a throwback delivery to the very first car that was ever produced in the year 2000, and it is going to be the black and yellow color scheme just like that car was.”
When the SAE competition is held in Michigan, the automobile will make its premiere. Over the course of the week beginning May 14 and ending May 17, 2025, the event will take place at the Michigan International Speedway.
According to Chunko, Formula intends to come out with the fastest car the team has ever constructed, in addition to having a new paint pattern available.
According to Chunko, “The aero kit that we are bringing this year, with the wings, is one of our most efficient designs that we have ever had through the aerodynamic simulations that we have run, and it should be one of the best ones in the country.”
Chunko stated that Formula has achieved success as a result of the efforts that it has put out. Notably, he mentioned that the group just achieved third place at the SAE boot camp where they participated.
In spite of the fact that Formula has achieved success by finishing in third place at SAE boot camp, Chunko believes that the true value of the club resides in its capacity to cultivate a community and provide its members with essential skills that will be useful in their future jobs. He elucidated the significance of the practical experience that was gained.
Chunko remarked that his time spent at this club was quite unforgettable. “The competition that is held by the Society of Automotive Engineers is intended to adequately prepare you for the industry, the activities that you will participate in during the competition, and the experiences that you will have on a daily basis within the club.
It is directly related to what you will do in the industry that you have experience in designing and creating.
Formula is not simply a stepping stone for Chunko; rather, it is a gateway to his dream job, which he has had since he was a child that he has been working for.
“NASCAR would be the dream,” Chunko commented on the occasion. To be able to achieve that would be the dream of a lifetime since I grew up watching it with my family.
Chunko’s aspiration exemplifies how Formula trains students not only for their professional aspirations but also for their personal aspirations.
In light of the fact that Formula is currently commemorating its 25th year, Chunko stated that it is clear that this club has established a solid legacy.
“I am just very grateful for all the help they give us and trying to put on a successful program every year and for the reputation they were able to build for our club over the years,” Chunko expressed his gratitude.