About Formula Wake
Building Wake Forest's future leaders in engineering and business
Our Mission
Formula Wake is a student-led Formula SAE team at Wake Forest University, where engineering and business students collaborate to design, build, and race a high-performance formula-style vehicle. Surrounded by a rich automotive culture in Winston-Salem, including the legacy of NASCAR and the influence of Formula 1, we have access to valuable industry resources, cutting-edge technology, and experienced professionals that help elevate our team's capabilities. Each member of our team takes on a role tailored to their career aspirations, ranging from manufacturing suspension components for a future in F1 to securing sponsorships to gain indispensable experience in business. Frequent meetings bring the entire team together to share progress, expand their automotive knowledge, and hear from industry guest speakers. Manufacturing the car is open to all members, regardless of prior experience, allowing everyone the opportunity to gain hands-on skills; following its completion, our own student drivers are behind the wheel in competitions.
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Engineering
The engineering division is the technical backbone of Formula Wake, responsible for the research, design, and fabrication of the race car. Members are divided into specialized groups — including chassis, powertrain, aerodynamics, and more — each focusing on a specific system while collaborating to ensure seamless integration of all components. Whether developing custom parts, refining aerodynamic efficiency, or optimizing engine performance, the engineering team works together to create a competitive vehicle. Hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation are at the core of this team, preparing students for careers in motorsports, automotive engineering, and beyond.
"Being part of the Formula SAE team at Wake Forest has been one of the most impactful experiences of my engineering education. It’s not just about building a car, it’s about applying engineering principles to real-world scenarios. The collaborative environment pushes me to think critically, innovate, and learn from both the successes and setbacks along the way."
William Slater
Founder & Engineer Lead
Caleb Jackson
Digital Lead
"My father is a teacher – one of the best to walk this planet – and through him, I have learned that education is of the utmost importance in a thriving society. In being able to teach people not just what to do, but also what not to do, in being able to teach the why and why not behind decisions, and in being able to provide all learners with proper teachers to bring them to the zenith of knowledge or skill in a subject and then surpass that ceiling and further advance the most advanced technology already is a privilege that should have roots in all paths of life. In short, education and connections are the two key aspects in allowing anyone to become the person
they aspire to be. I have designed Formula Wake through SAE International’s Formula SAE student competition with this in mind for the students of Wake Forest University to utilize and take advantage of as they commence their professional careers."
On the business side, Formula Wake relies on a dedicated team to secure funding, grow the team’s presence, and manage external relationships. The business division is divided into two key areas: corporate outreach and marketing. Corporate outreach members research, contact, and secure sponsorships, whether through financial contributions or in-kind donations of parts and materials. Meanwhile, the marketing team focuses on recruitment and brand visibility, engaging the student body and public through events, social media, and promotional campaigns. Together, the business team ensures that Formula Wake has the resources and recognition needed to compete at the highest level.
Business
"A formula team isn't about just a car; it's a community of students, all working towards a common goal. It's rare in a college environment to have continuing projects for both engineering and business students, but Formula Wake provides just that: a chance to exercise real world skills while working towards a common goal."
Grayson Marty
Corporate Outreach Lead
Frequently Asked Questions
What engineering / business / manufacturing experience is required?​
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No previous experience is required to join Formula Wake. The only necessity is a willingness to learn - everyone on the team is learning as they go.
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What time commitment is required?
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Building a car is a demanding process; members are expected to devote 2-4 hours a week to the team.
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Who drives the Formula Wake car?
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Formula SAE cars are student-driven, and each team must have a minimum of 4 drivers to compete in dynamic events. Tryouts are held for Formula Wake drivers.
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What / when / where are Formula SAE competitions?
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Formula SAE competitions are annual engineering design events where university teams design, build, and race formula-style vehicles. Formula Wake will compete in the annual FSAE Michigan event held each spring.
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