By Rosie Hales, Communications Officer

The Queen’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (QFSAE) team hits the road starting this week to compete in three international events.

Members of the Queen's Formula Society of Automotive Engineers spent 15,000 man-hours creating their open wheeled race car.

QFSAE has been building open wheel race cars – similar to the machines in Formula One racing – and testing them at international competitions for more than two decades. This year’s team of 30 people includes members from various faculties across campus.

“Everyone, no matter their background, has something valuable to bring to the table and will almost certainly get something valuable out of this experience,” says Joseph Liu (Sci’15), General Manager of QFSAE. “Anyone who’s a Formula One enthusiast, car lover or intrigued by the project can join.”

In April, the QFSAE team unveiled their 2014 race car – a product of 15,000 man-hours – at the Integrated Learning Centre in Beamish-Munro Hall. The team hopes that the new and improved aerodynamic package and undertray of the car will help them speed across finish lines in record time.

“The new undertray we’ve installed acts like inverted wings to keep the car in good contact with the ground, especially helping with tight corners,” says Mr. Liu (Sci ’15). “The aerodynamic package as a whole would also allow us to drive the car at 100 km/h upside down, if we wanted to, but not that we should!”

After being involved in the QFSAE team for the last three years, Mr. Liu’s favourite part is attending competitions and facing off against 80-120 international teams. In 2010, the QFSAE team placed first out of all Canadian teams at a competition in Michigan.

“The teams that compete are top notch,” says Mr. Liu. “It would be fantastic to be in the top 15 this year.”

This week’s competition lasts until May 17. The team will also be competing in Barrie, Ont., from May 22-25 and in Nebraska in June.

To follow the progress of Queen’s Formula SAE, follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook, or check out their website.