Monash Motorsport have launched its 2018 Formula SAE Australasia campaign in style as 300 guests witnessed the unveiling of two new cars.

Friends and family, sponsors, industry partners and representatives from rival universities were on hand at the team’s base in Clayton celebrate recent European glory and welcome the team’s 2018 Formula SAE-A campaign. 

Following their SAE-A title in 2017, it’s been an incredibly successful year for the team after coming first in the United Kingdom for both combustion and electric categories, as well as strong results in Germany and Austria. 

Monash Motorsport student CEO, Vincent Chu was thrilled with the year so far on the world stage and was looking forward to a big campaign on Australian soil next month.

“It’s been a really big year where we have done three things at once, which includes competing in Europe, preparing our 2018 cars as well as the driverless car,” Chu said.

“It’s been two really intense months in Europe competing against some of the best teams in the world, but knowing our campaign was the best performance in Monash Motorsport’s history makes me really proud.

“It is hard to judge whether we can win the Formula SAE-A again because it’s going to be one of the most comparative competitions to date.

“We have prepped the car as best as we can, so I along with the rest of the team are hoping we can get back onto the podium again.”

Like Chu, Monash Motorsport Academic advisor Dr Scott Wordley was proud of the team’s efforts throughout the past 12 months and was confident of a strong result this year, despite the rise in competition.

“We’re super proud of everything the team has achieved this year,” Wordley said. 

“They had an amazing campaign with some great results on the world stage and they have come back and pulled together two brand news cars for the upcoming Australasia competition.

“I think we will have some solid results next month, but we will be facing some very tough competition, especially from a team in Munich, who possibly have the fastest car in the world right now. 

“Locally, Australia University of Canterbury are also looking really strong at the moment bringing in two very well developed cars, as well as Swinburne and Tasmania who will provide a good challenge.”

While the night recognised the previous campaign and introduced the new wheels, a reveal of new leadership also occurred with current leaders, including Chu, officially handing the reigns over to the next generation.

Despite having to give up his role, Chu will still be part of the team and is ready to take a back seat role, providing mentorship for the next era of leaders.

“I’m a little bit sad that I won’t be as involved with bigger decision making for the team next year,” Chu added.

“However it will be really good to see how far the guys have come under our leadership and mentorship in the past and we’re confident that they will be able to take the team onto bigger and better things.”

The 2018 Formula SAE-A event will take place at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria on 6 – 9 December.