A team from the Iowa State Society of Automotive Engineers is building a Formula 1 race car for a race against 90 other schools at a contest this May in Pontiac, Mich.

Aside from the race, the car will be judged in a number of different categories, including safety, design and braking systems.

Steve Kisener, captain of the construction team and senior in mechanical engineering, said some of the key areas in judging include the braking, handling and acceleration of the car.

Being captain means he is “responsible for organizing the group, with eight different leaders on the team.” Kisener also personally designed part of the car.

“We’re looking to finish in the top 20, which ISU has never done before,” he said.

Greg Conard, SAE team member and sophomore in mechanical engineering, said the group offers valuable leadership experience for future careers.

“The Society of Automotive Engineers gives students a chance to get some hands-on experience in designing and engineering a race car,” he said.

Conard said his team, which is composed of about 30 to 45 members, is about halfway done with the race car.

Conard said the building of the car is broken down into different teams, including the drive team, the brake team and the body team.

He said the different teams listen to each other’s input, and then decide what would be best for the car.

“Everybody’s input is welcome,” Conard said. “Sometimes, there is some compromise involved, which is another reason [this type of program] is great for resum‚s.”

Kisener said even though the group sometimes has “exciting discussions,” they are still a solid group.

Conard said he joined this program because he thought the experience would help him in his future career.

“It sounded like it would be a fun and interesting thing to do,” Conard said. “So far, it’s been really fun. The people I’ve met have been really interesting.”

Kisener said SAE has been a tremendous experience.

“It’s a real-world engineering project,” he said.

Conard said despite the large number of people who are involved with the program, many people have trouble finding time to get really involved in the building of the car.

“We’re always looking for new members,” Conard said.

SAE members are inviting any technology or engineering majors to join the group.

“As long as they meet the requirements, we always like to see new people,” Kisener said. “It’s never too late to join.”

Kisener said the primary reason for SAE’s relatively small membership is because the group is not well known on campus.

He added that despite the help of sponsors, the group is hoping to raise $10,000 for their car.

The group currently has $7,000, and he said he thinks the group will come close to making its goal.

“Sponsorship opportunities are available,” Kisener said jokingly.

The Society of Automotive Engineers meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Room 1028 of the Black Engineering Building.

The group’s adviser is Greg Luecke, professor of mechanical engineering.