The 5th edition of SAEIndia Supra, India’s biggest formula student
competition, will be held from July 4-9, 2016 at the Buddh International
Circuit in Greater Noida. This year's edition has received 3750 entries and
will play host to 150 teams. In an attempt to increase participation of women
in the event, two special prize categories have been announced as well. The
first prize will recognise the best woman participant and the second will
reward the team with the maximum number of women participants.
Formula SAE is a student design competition organised by SAE
International, held annually in the USA. The competition started in 1978 and
was originally called SAE Mini Indy. In 2011, SAEIndia decided to start the
event in the country and named it Supra (abbreviated from Super Racing).
The event gives engineering students a platform to showcase their ability
and innovative thinking in designing and creating a track worthy car. The SAEIndia
Supra will also help these students in gaining practical exposure in the field
of manufacturing, production, profitability and marketing of their prototype
vehicles. The SAEIndia Supra also aligns
with more than a hundred professionals from over 25 companies volunteering to
support the participants. Around 200 women will be participating in Supra this
year and there will be an all women’s team joining the event as well.
R S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki
India, said, “We had first collaborated with SAEIndia Supra in 2011 to
encourage budding talent in motorsports and engineering. To conceptualize,
design, fabricate and run a Formula prototype car from start to finish,
provides great hands-on experience. Through this effort, Maruti Suzuki is
bridging the gap between academia and industry. We are confident this exposure
will enhance employability of young students in the Industry and prepare them
for challenging assignments.”