Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Jacksonville University Launches Formula Racing Team, Accelerates Engineering Innovation
Jacksonville, Fla. — Feb. 23, 2026 — Jacksonville University has received official approval from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International to establish a collegiate Formula racing team, marking a significant expansion of hands-on engineering opportunities for students from freshman year through graduation.
The new SAE International student chapter will provide engineering students with real-world experience in vehicle design, manufacturing, and racing competition. The University has identified dedicated campus space to house the race team and equipment as the program moves into its development and funding phase.
"This program will engage our students across multiple academic disciplines," said Dr. Lisa Sutherland, interim dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology. "Formula SAE reflects Jacksonville University’s commitment to practical knowledge, applied, experiential learning, and career-ready education. I am proud of our students' passion and appreciate the strong support of our engineering faculty in making this achievement possible."
The racing program is supported by prominent figures in the motorsports community, including Kinne Society member Mac McGehee and JU alumnus and racecar driver Tiger Tari '00, who have been instrumental in developing a comprehensive plan with students. Faculty members are concurrently building a curriculum and unique internship opportunities to support student learning through the program.
Tari recently invited members of the JU Formula SAE team to be guests in his suite for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. “Formula SAE is so much more than engineering — it's about building a complete organization,” said Tari ’00. “From design and prototyping to manufacturing, testing, marketing, sales, and data analysis, these students gain hands-on experience in every aspect of a professional business operation. My time as a JU student-athlete taught me that success requires going above and beyond in order to maximize your education. This is a powerful way to give students real-world experience they can apply after graduation and I’m excited to help mentor the future leaders of our city, state, and nation through Jacksonville University.”
Jacksonville University Launches Formula Racing Team, Accelerates Engineering Innovation
Jacksonville, Fla. — Feb. 23, 2026 — Jacksonville University has received official approval from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International to establish a collegiate Formula racing team, marking a significant expansion of hands-on engineering opportunities for students from freshman year through graduation.
The new SAE International student chapter will provide engineering students with real-world experience in vehicle design, manufacturing, and racing competition. The University has identified dedicated campus space to house the race team and equipment as the program moves into its development and funding phase.
"This program will engage our students across multiple academic disciplines," said Dr. Lisa Sutherland, interim dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology. "Formula SAE reflects Jacksonville University’s commitment to practical knowledge, applied, experiential learning, and career-ready education. I am proud of our students' passion and appreciate the strong support of our engineering faculty in making this achievement possible."
The racing program is supported by prominent figures in the motorsports community, including Kinne Society member Mac McGehee and JU alumnus and racecar driver Tiger Tari '00, who have been instrumental in developing a comprehensive plan with students. Faculty members are concurrently building a curriculum and unique internship opportunities to support student learning through the program.
Tari recently invited members of the JU Formula SAE team to be guests in his suite for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. “Formula SAE is so much more than engineering — it's about building a complete organization,” said Tari ’00. “From design and prototyping to manufacturing, testing, marketing, sales, and data analysis, these students gain hands-on experience in every aspect of a professional business operation. My time as a JU student-athlete taught me that success requires going above and beyond in order to maximize your education. This is a powerful way to give students real-world experience they can apply after graduation and I’m excited to help mentor the future leaders of our city, state, and nation through Jacksonville University.”
