Falcon Racing Team
Falcon Racing aspires to compete in the Formula SAE International Design Competition in Michigan in 2026.

The UTPB Falcon Racing Team has completed an initial full scale prototype design of a chassis, the supporting frame of a vehicle, to serve as a foundation for future development.

Falcon Racing Project TeamFalcon Racing was founded in March of 2024 by UTPB junior and sophomore mechanical engineering students, Julian Urias and Donavan Pando.

“The idea of starting a Formula SAE chapter was born from my passion for motorsports and my aspiration to work in the industry after graduation. Listening to the stories of accomplished engineers, I noticed a common thread, many had participated in Formula SAE during their university years,” said Urias.

Urias took the initiative to craft a plan for a team from scratch and approached his classmate Pando with the idea. They then worked together to lay the groundwork for establishing Falcon Racing.

“Our mission with Falcon Racing is to provide a platform where UTPB students can bridge the gap between classroom theory and hands-on application. By designing and building a marketable prototype, our members gain invaluable skills that prepare them for future careers in engineering, motorsports, and beyond,” said Urias.

Race ChassisThe students tasked their senior design team with creating a chassis that adhered to the rules outlined in the SAE handbook. Their team utilized 3D printing in the UTPB Makerspace to produce about 36 joints designed to connect PVC piping that would complete a chassis model. It only cost them about $250 and took 12 weeks to design, test, and build.

“It enables us to optimize the design for driver requirements, engine placement, suspension setup, and weight distribution before manufacturing the final chassis from chromoly steel,” said Urias.

Falcon Racing aspires to compete in the Formula SAE International Design Competition in Michigan in 2026. The event would allow them to showcase their technical achievements and connect with industry leaders.

“Next semester, our goal is to grow both in membership and expertise. Our club will participate in a custom TIG welding course, which will enable us to advance in the manufacturing process. We also plan to begin development on the suspension system, which allows us to step forward in our technical projects,” said Pando.

Falcon Racing has created a community for the students to collaborate and solve complex engineering challenges. Urias says the hands-on projects foster creativity, teamwork, and innovation, equipping members with practical skills and experiences that set them apart in the job market.

Race Chassis alternate angle“I hope Falcon Racing can continue to change lives as much as it has changed mine. My contribution to the development and growth of Falcon Racing has blessed me with a unique opportunity: this coming January, I will begin an internship with Roush Industries in Michigan,” said Urias.

While Urias is pursuing his internship, Pando aims to continue to expand Falcon Racings community reach by engaging with local businesses and strengthening their presence on campus.