web02.fireside.fm Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:30:16 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Beyond The Competition - Episodes Tagged with “Motorsports Engineering” https://beyondthecompetition.fireside.fm/tags/motorsports%20engineering Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 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. en-us episodic The official must-listen podcast of SAE University Programs SAE International 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. no SAE International collegiatecompetitions@sae.org Baja Beginnings With Dr. William Shapton https://beyondthecompetition.fireside.fm/221 5cf8372e-6618-4088-91e8-be0c1c0f7464 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 SAE International full SAE International In this special anniversary episode of Beyond the Competition, the team celebrates 50 years of Baja SAE with one of its original architects, Dr. William Shapton. Dr. Shapton shares firsthand stories from the early REV competitions that led to Baja SAE, the challenges of launching a low-cost collegiate design competition, and how hands-on engineering transformed senior design education. From riverbed racecourses to national media coverage, this episode explores how Baja SAE grew from a small experiment into a global engineering phenomenon. 34:34 no 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. Baja SAE, SAE, SAE University Programs, Beyond the Competition, engineering education, collegiate engineering, student engineering, mechanical engineering, design build test, hands-on learning, senior design, engineering competition, off-road engineering, motorsports engineering, vehicle design, engineering students, ABET, experiential learning, industry collaboration, engineering history, STEM education 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Women in Motorsports @ Baja SAE Carolina 2025 https://beyondthecompetition.fireside.fm/219 47cffdb5-44de-46d0-95c7-f651f2d5a9b8 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 SAE International full 8 SAE International 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. 1:07:41 no 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 Women in Motorsports, Baja SAE Carolina, SAE International, STEM education, Women engineers, Female engineering students, Diversity in engineering, Women in STEM, Motorsports engineering, SAE Baja, Engineering competitions, Women in automotive, Women in racing, Women in mechanical engineering, Engineering student experience, SAE Beyond the Competition Podcast, Female leadership in motorsports, Women in off-road racing, Student engineering teams, Inclusive engineering programs 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

]]> 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

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