The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) hosts the annual Formula SAE-A event. This is a four day international, student engineering competition centered on the design, construction and racing of an internal combustion or electric race car up to 610cc/80kW. The competition presents students with the opportunity to develop their skills in design, management, manufacturing, communication, research and business operations in a real world environment.

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Formula SAE was developed in the United States of America in 1981 by the Society of Automotive Engineers to be used as an educational tool to develop university engineering students' knowledge and skills. In 2000 the first Formula SAE competition was held in Australia. Since then the Australian event has grown to be contested by over 30 universities from Oceania, America, Asia and Europe. Similar events are also run in USA, Europe, UK and Japan.

The competition comprises of students designing and constructing a small formula style racecar across a whole year. These cars have specifications to limit physical dimensions and engine size to ensure that the competition is not just a race, but is run as an engineering competition where students' imagination, creativity, skills, and knowledge are all tested. The competition event is held in December each year at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria. The competition covers four days of scrutineering, static and dynamic events.

The static events are worth 325 out of the 1000 points and comprise of a design report, cost report, and business presentation to the judges.

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The dynamic events are run as individual time trials, and make up the remainder of the points. They consist of an acceleration test, skid pad test, autocross event, and an efficiency and endurance race.