Meet the Formula Team

Formula SAE is a collegiate engineering program where students design, build, and a scaled formula under strict regulations set by SAE International. These vehicles are judged in competitive events that assess both their engineering design and real-world performance. The Binghamton Motorsports Formula Team currently competes in the Formula SAE Electric competition.

Project Manager

Sam has been a member of the Formula Team for two years and has gained valuable leadership experience from her prior role as Tractive Team Lead. As a Project Manager, she oversees each individual subteam and monitors their progress. Additionally, she deals with maintaining communication between all team members and making critical decisions to help the team meet competition deadlines.

Ben Seltzer | Chief Mechanical Engineer

This is Ben’s fourth year with Binghamton Motorsports, and he has served as Chief Engineer since last year. He plays a vital role, bringing both extensive knowledge and expertise to the integration of all mechanical components.

Markus Higgins | Chief Electrical Engineer

Markus has been a valuable member of the team for the past two years. Last year, he served as the Low Voltage Team Lead and has since advanced to the position of Chief Electrical Engineer. His expertise is essential in the development and production of the electric aspect of the vehicle.

Kevin Wilk | Accumulator Team Lead

The accumulator subteam designs and manages battery modules, involving both mechanical and electrical challenges. They layout cell structures, mount battery modules, route high voltage cables, and design cooling channels. The electronics group handles cell selection, fusing, and the Battery Management System (BMS). Joining the team offers comprehensive knowledge in battery design and management.

**Headshots not currently available: Kevin Ahrens, Jack McDonald

Danny Szlavik & Richard Engesser | Aerodynamic Team Leads

The bodywork and aerodynamics team designs and fabricates all aerodynamic components, including the nose cone, side panels, wings, sidepods, undertray, and diffuser. Using SOLIDWORKS, CFD software, and prototype testing, they create industry-standard designs. The manufacturing process involves epoxy resin and carbon fiber, with vacuum bagging to ensure shape accuracy. The team also collaborates with graphic designers on the car’s livery.

Erick Palka | Drivetrain Team Lead

The drivetrain team oversees the car’s braking system, pedal assembly, and drive assembly, which includes components like the differential, drive chain, and axles. Their work blends parts research, fabrication, and design, often adapting or replacing off-the-shelf parts. Team members design parts, conduct finite element analysis, and perform hands-on manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on learning quickly on the job.

**Headshots not currently available: Robert Punger, Aidan Braun, Kyle Darminio

Blake Bolte | Frame Team Lead

The frame & ergonomics team designs and manufactures the formula car’s steel tube chassis and all driver-operated components, like the steering wheel, seat, and pedals. We use tools like MATLAB and ANSYS for frame simulations and a 3D welding fixture for manufacturing. Ergonomics involves gathering driver feedback to refine cockpit designs, using 3D printing for prototyping. We seek team members experienced in CAD, welding, and basic fabrication.

**Headshots not currently available: Kevin Tejera

Nick Spameni | Low Voltage Team Lead

The low voltage electronics team handles the grounded low voltage system (GLV), including driver interfaces, custom sensors, telemetry, and emergency shutdown circuitry. They work with microcontrollers and sensors to collect and analyze data, ensuring driver safety with emergency shutdown controls. Engineers need creativity and knowledge in basic electronics and packaging, and experience with communication protocols and additive manufacturing is beneficial.

**Headshots not currently available: Jake Lin, Zarif Patwary

Chris Tringali | Suspension Team Lead

The suspension team optimizes vehicle performance during cornering by maximizing tire friction and controlling cabin movement through the spring damper system. They also design the steering system and handle custom parts for wheels, tires, control arms, and more. Team members need strong CAD and math skills, using tools like MATLAB and SOLIDWORKS. This team offers opportunities to design, analyze, and manufacture custom parts, making it ideal for passionate and creative engineers.

Joey Tomassi | Tractive Team Lead

The Tractive sub team ensures safe and efficient power delivery to the motor by selecting the proper electric components. They handle motor selection, high voltage wiring, and system tuning, adhering to strict safety guidelines. Members should be detail-oriented and passionate about electronics and control systems, gaining knowledge in motor controls, vehicle dynamics, and high voltage safety.

Logan Reppard | Race Engineer

As a driver in the Formula SAE student competition, participants pilot a formula-style race car designed and built by their university team. This role demands a solid understanding of the vehicle’s mechanics and performance, particularly during dynamic driving events such as acceleration, skid pad, autocross, and endurance.