Ram Racing Revival: CSU's Largest Engineering Club Stages Comeback

Strategic Insights -

The Ram Racing team at Colorado State University has experienced a significant revival over the past three years, with the club competing in the international Formula SAE design competition series for the first time since 2015. Since the COVID-19 pandemic completely shut down operations, the team has successfully returned to competition, finishing No. 90 overall in 2024 and climbing to No. 59 in May 2026. The team's vice president, Jimmy Pounders, credits the club's inclusive nature, welcoming students from all disciplines, as the key to its success. With a strong focus on community building and a "second family" atmosphere, Ram Racing has become a hub for student involvement and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ram Racing, CSU's largest engineering club, has made a comeback after the COVID-19 pandemic, competing in the international Formula SAE design competition series.
  • The team has finished No. 90 overall in 2024 and No. 59 in May 2026, indicating steady improvement in performance.
  • Vice President Jimmy Pounders attributes the team's success to its inclusive nature, welcoming students from all disciplines.
  • The club has a strong focus on community building and fostering a "second family" atmosphere.
  • Ram Racing has a comprehensive business presentation process as part of the technical inspection, where teams must defend their design, manufacturing, and funding efforts.
  • The team members have praised the community created by the club's inclusion of all students across CSU's campus, highlighting its unique identity.
  • Ram Racing plans to bring two race cars to Michigan in May 2026, one internal combustion-powered and one electric battery-powered.
  • The EV car will be used for data-gathering purposes and not competition, signifying the club's positive momentum.
  • New members are encouraged to devote themselves to their work before expecting privileges and are introduced to the team through annual orientation meetings.
  • The team President Danika Fickler emphasized the importance of accessibility in motorsports, aiming to make it inclusive to everyone.

Statistics:

  • 90% of the thousands of individual components of Ram Racing's race cars are designed and manufactured by the team within their facilities across town.
  • The team has attended competition three years in a row since their revival.
  • Ram Racing has competed 21 times in their 28-year history.
  • Their highest placement was 13th out of 98 teams in 2011 for their internal combustion car.
  • The team has over 50 dedicated members, with dozens of students participating in various roles.

Sources:

  • Ram Racing President Danika Fickler
  • Ram Racing Vice President Jimmy Pounders
  • Collegian article by Sam Hutton, News Editor
  • Collegian article by Reuel Indurkar
  • Collegian article by Lauren Mascardo