Syracuse University’s Citrus Racing achieves milestone at Formula SAE
Citrus Racing completed every dynamic event at Formula SAE Michigan for the first time in 20 years, a major achievement for the team. This success reflects the growing capabilities of engineering students in Central New York.
Truth-check: Frank Mahoney, Editor-in-Chief.
Know before your neighbors do
The Morning Signal hits your inbox at 6 AM with everything that happened overnight. Real incidents, real data, zero fluff.
Historic achievement for Citrus Racing
Citrus Racing, the student-run engineering team from Syracuse University, made history by completing every dynamic event at the Formula SAE Michigan competition for the first time in 20 years. Their entry, CR5, is the first car designed entirely from scratch in six years, showcasing the innovative spirit and technical skills of its members.
What this means for local engineering talent
This achievement is a win for the team and a reflection of the growing engineering talent in Central New York. According to outgoing team leader Ryan Brennan, the experience gained prepares students for real-world challenges in engineering and beyond.

Community support and collaboration
The Citrus Racing team thrives on a collaborative model that includes faculty and staff advisors, allowing students to take risks and learn from failures. This support network fosters an environment where students develop technical skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Brennan emphasized that the team is more than just a club; it is an engineering sports team that creates a legacy of innovation.
Future plans and ongoing development
The team plans to begin design work for their next car by June 1, with incoming leadership setting ambitious improvement goals. They will continue developing internal combustion vehicles while advancing electric vehicle research, aligning with trends in the automotive industry focused on sustainability and innovation.
By The Numbers
- 20 years, the last time Citrus Racing completed every dynamic event at Formula SAE Michigan, according to Syracuse University News.
- 6 years, the time since Citrus Racing designed a car entirely from scratch, per Syracuse University News.
- 1, the number of cars designed from scratch by Citrus Racing in the last six years, highlighting their recent achievement.
Local impact and community engagement
The success of Citrus Racing is part of a larger trend in Syracuse, where educational institutions engage more with the community and industry. This aligns with reports of increased interest in outdoor summer events as the New York State Fair approaches, reflecting a local culture that values innovation and collaboration.
As Syracuse prepares for the upcoming fair, events like the Formula SAE competition showcase student talent and enhance the city’s reputation in engineering and technology. Achievements by teams like Citrus Racing contribute to a narrative of growth and opportunity in Central New York.

Conclusion
Citrus Racing’s recent success at Formula SAE Michigan shows the hard work and dedication of Syracuse University students. As they continue to innovate and push boundaries, the local community can look forward to more achievements that highlight Central New York’s engineering prowess.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , Syracuse University , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Syracuse University News, Citrus Racing’s achievements and team details.