The Father of Formula SAE

In this episode of Beyond the Competition, host Scott Schultz and producer Mike Sorg sit down with Ron Matthews, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of Formula SAE. Often called the “Father of Formula SAE,” Matthews shares the fascinating story behind the competition’s creation in 1981, how it evolved from a student-led idea into the world’s largest student engineering design competition, and the challenges faced in its early years. He reflects on how technology, engineering education, and student innovation have shaped the program, expanding it from just four teams in its first year to over 200 teams competing globally today. Matthews also highlights the impact of Formula SAE on real-world engineering careers, offering insights for students looking to get involved. With stories from early competitions, the importance of securing sponsors, and how the event continues to grow, this episode is a must-listen for engineering students, motorsport enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about innovation in education. Tune in to hear how Formula SAE has left a lasting legacy on the automotive world and why Matthews remains proud of its impact decades later.