Beyond The Competition

SAE International
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As the official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs, you can expect authentic, engaging (and often amusing) conversations about all things related to SAE's collegiate programming, as well as other industry-driven topics from SAE International. Our guests will include SAE International staff, former competitors, volunteers, organizers, and occasionally industry professionals! Topics range from ruleset discussions to career advice and everything in between. This is the perfect podcast to listen to in the shop.

  1. JAN 22

    Baja Beginnings With Dr. William Shapton

    Beyond the Competition marks a major milestone as Baja SAE celebrates 50 years of innovation, competition, and hands-on engineering education. In this episode, hosts Mike Sorg and Scott Schultz are joined by Dr. William Shapton, one of the original contributors to the creation of Baja SAE. Dr. Shapton takes listeners back to the early 1970s, when experimental design competitions like REV 73–75 laid the groundwork for what would become Baja SAE. He explains why traditional senior design programs needed change, how building and testing real vehicles reshaped engineering education, and how student competition became the catalyst for deeper learning. The conversation covers the practical challenges of launching the first events, including keeping costs low, securing industry support, and organizing competitions that schools could realistically enter. Dr. Shapton also shares memorable stories from early Baja events—from desert riverbeds and motocross tracks to nationwide expansion and international participation. This episode explores how Baja SAE influenced accreditation standards, strengthened ties between students and professional engineers, and helped inspire other collegiate competitions such as Formula SAE and Supermileage. It’s a reflective look at how a student-focused idea evolved into a global program that continues to prepare engineers for real-world problem solving. Whether you’re a current competitor, an alumnus, or simply curious about the origins of collegiate engineering competitions, this episode offers rare insight into the history, impact, and legacy of Baja SAE.

    35 min

  2. 10/16/2025

    Women in Motorsports @ Baja SAE Carolina 2025

    In this special episode of the SAE Beyond the Competition Podcast, we spotlight an inspiring Women in Motorsports panel discussion held at the Baja SAE Carolina event. Join us as a group of dynamic women share their experiences navigating the world of motorsports engineering, from breaking stereotypes and balancing team dynamics, to finding mentorship, tackling imposter syndrome, and leading innovations in vehicle design and leadership. Whether you’re a current competitor, alumni, or prospective team member, this panel offers valuable insight and encouragement for all genders working in STEM and motorsports fields. 🎧 Hear from passionate leaders, students, and professionals as they reflect on: • The importance of representation and visibility • Unique challenges faced by women in motorsports • Advice for the next generation of female engineers and teammates • How Baja SAE and similar programs have shaped their personal and professional growth 📍Recorded live at Baja SAE Carolina, this episode captures the energy, challenges, and triumphs of women paving the way in a competitive engineering landscape. 🔗 For more information on Baja SAE and upcoming events, visit https://bajasae.net

    1h 8m

  3. 09/24/2025

    Baja SAE Carolina 2025 Know Before You Go

    Headed to Baja SAE Carolina 2025? This special Know Before You Go episode of the SAE: Beyond the Competition Podcast is your essential audio companion to prepare for the event! 🎙️ Join the SAE team as we walk through everything students, faculty advisors, and volunteers need to know before arriving in South Carolina. From on-site registration procedures to technical inspection expectations, event safety, and team logistics, this episode is packed with important insights, reminders, and tips to help your team succeed on and off the track. 📍Whether you’re a rookie team or a seasoned competitor, this is your chance to get a head start on the competition weekend. ✅ Topics include: • What to bring (and what not to!) • Event site layout and pit etiquette • Static and dynamic event walkthroughs • Safety rules and enforcement • On-site support from SAE and volunteers 🔗 For maps, schedules, and official updates, visit: https://www.bajasae.net Don’t show up unprepared — listen in and share with your whole team!

    25 min

  4. 09/18/2025

    Celebrating STEM Leadership: Anish Srivastava and the Max Rumbaugh Award

    In this episode of the SAE Tomorrow Today podcast, we spotlight Anish Srivastava, recipient of the SAE International Award for Outstanding Student Leadership in STEM Honoring Max Rumbaugh. Anish shares his path as a student leader, the impact of volunteering within SAE, and how mentorship and service have shaped both his career and community. Listeners will discover: • The significance of the Max Rumbaugh Student Leadership Award • How Anish balanced academics, leadership, and service in STEM • Why mentorship is vital for the next generation of engineers • Insights for students looking to get involved with SAE International 🔗 Nominations are open through September 30. Learn more and submit here: https://www.sae.org/participate/awards/sae-international-award-for-outstanding-student-leadership-in-stem-honoring-max-rumbaugh

    14 min

  5. 08/21/2025

    Women in Motorsports: Formula SAE EV 2025 Panel

    In this special episode from Formula SAE EV 2025, we sit down for the Empowering Women in Mobility panel featuring leaders from General Motors, PACCAR, Kenworth, and Rivian Volkswagen Technologies. Panelists Jessica Swan, Jackie Zimney, Zuzana Pankovcin, Tasha Krug, Emily Wilson, and Gayathri Gatla share their journeys into STEM and the mobility industry, the challenges they’ve faced, and the opportunities that shaped their careers. From launching electric vehicles at Rivian to recruiting top engineering talent at PACCAR, each story highlights resilience, mentorship, and the importance of diversity in driving innovation. Key topics include: • Career pivots and unexpected opportunities in mobility • Overcoming high-stakes technical and cultural challenges • How diversity improves product design and engineering teams • Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM and motorsports This panel offers candid advice and empowering stories for students, professionals, and anyone passionate about the future of sustainable mobility.

    1h 1m

  6. 07/17/2025

    Motorsports to Mobility: Inside Oshkosh and Pratt Miller’s Tech Evolution

    In this episode of Beyond the Competition, we sit down with two powerhouse minds from the mobility and defense sectors: Kevin Kwiatkowski, VP of Engineering at Pratt Miller, and Joe DeHaan, Chief Engineer at Oshkosh Corporation. We dive into their collaborative innovations, from the high-speed world of motorsports with Corvette Racing to cutting-edge electrification and autonomous vehicle technology. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about how Pratt Miller’s racing-derived tech is improving firefighting vehicles, insights from hosting Baja SAE in Oshkosh, and reflections on their own journeys as former Baja and Formula SAE student competitors. Plus, learn how these industry leaders support the next generation through SAE Collegiate Design Series events and what opportunities are available for students today. 🔧 Topics Covered: • Evolution of Pratt Miller & Oshkosh partnership • CAMS system: From race track to emergency scenes • Electric and autonomous vehicle development • Hosting and sponsoring SAE CDS events • Tips for student teams and future engineers • Career opportunities at Oshkosh and Pratt Miller 📺 Watch Baja SAE Oshkosh 2023 highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hy3WXps_w 📱 Follow @SAE_UniversityPrograms on TikTok & Instagram To learn more about careers at Oshkosh Corporation or to stay connected about future opportunities in your area of interest, visit careers.oshkoshcorp.com/

    26 min

  7. 07/10/2025

    SAE CDS Action News July 2025

    CDS Action News provides updates and essential information for participants in various SAE competitions, including Formula SAE and Baja SAE, with highlights on event schedules, sponsor activities, and important announcements. It also offers resources and benefits for SAE Collegiate Chapter members and graduating seniors. Congratulations 0:39 Workshop Visits 1:01 Want us to visit your school? Email scott.schultz@sae.org Look Back at Aero Design 1:31 SAE Mentor Program 2:32 Learn more: https://sae.to/4kxFDa2 Look Back at Baja 2:51 Beyond the Competition Podcast 4:31 CDS Photos 4:43 https://saebrand.widencollective.com/portals/oefbjrtu/CDSPortal Look Back at Formula 4:55 Photo Portal https://saebrand.widencollective.com/portals/oefbjrtu/CDSPortal Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sae_universityprograms/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sae_universityprograms Share videos and images for Social Media at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/b0rvk55x72uhi11gn1brk/h?dl=0&rlkey=qbvssxmkxm0ikywzffyuvnzrs *News Feeds SAE Aero Design News Feed: www.saeaerodesign.com/go/news Formula SAE News Feed: https://www.fsaeonline.com/cdsweb/app/news.aspx Baja SAE News Feed: https://bajasae.net/cdsweb/app/news.aspx #FSAE #BajaSAE #FormulaSAE #SAECompetitions #ElectricVehicles #GoProFootage #CleanSnowmobileChallenge #SAEChapters #SAEMembership #StudentEngineering #EngineeringCompetitions #UniversityPrograms #Motorsports #STEMEducation #FormulaEV #EngineeringStudents #SAEInternational #FSAEEV #StudentProjects #MotorsportEngineering #VehicleDesign #TechInnovation #OnsiteEvents #CompetitionPrep #IndustrialLecturers #SAECommunity

    7 min

  8. 06/19/2025

    From Formula SAE to Rocket Science: Carson Wilke’s Journey to Relativity Space

    In this episode, Carson Wilke joins the show to share his journey from competing in Formula SAE at Texas A&M to becoming a rocket engineer at Relativity Space. Carson discusses his current role working on quick disconnect systems that enable rockets to launch safely and efficiently, and how his FSAE experience laid the foundation for his engineering career—right down to being hired by one of his design finals judges. He reflects on the intense heat of the Las Vegas competition, the importance of team collaboration, and how the hands-on experience from SAE events directly translates into the high-stakes world of aerospace engineering. Carson also highlights his ongoing involvement as a judge and sponsor, encouraging current students to value teamwork, seize networking opportunities, and treat every interaction as a potential career connection. From FSAE to launching rockets, Carson offers practical advice and inspiration to the next generation of engineers. 👉 Subscribe to SAE Beyond the Competition on your favorite podcast app or watch new episodes on the SAE University Programs YouTube channel to stay connected with the future of engineering.

    24 min
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About

As the official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs, you can expect authentic, engaging (and often amusing) conversations about all things related to SAE's collegiate programming, as well as other industry-driven topics from SAE International. Our guests will include SAE International staff, former competitors, volunteers, organizers, and occasionally industry professionals! Topics range from ruleset discussions to career advice and everything in between. This is the perfect podcast to listen to in the shop.

Information

  • Creator
    SAE International
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SAE International
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Competition