The team returned from the Formula SAE Michigan competition having outperformed every car the program has produced in the last 20 years鈥攁 milestone that marks a turning point for one of the University鈥檚 oldest engineering clubs.
The team鈥檚 entry, designated CR5, was the first car Citrus Racing designed entirely from scratch in six years. For the first time in 20 years, the team completed every dynamic event on the Formula SAE schedule. The CR5 car also cleared technical inspection before noon on the second day鈥攁 benchmark rarely achieved by any team in the field.
鈥淐itrus Racing represents trust in the importance of self-guided learning,” says outgoing team leader Ryan Brennan 鈥26. “The result is that Citrus Racing alumni are growing not simply into engineers that can turn a wrench, but they are also learning how to work with each other across dynamic business, media, technical and social domains out of real need to operate well or suffer as an organization. We appreciate the help we received from across the . Without that help, Citrus Racing would not be nearly as strong as it is today.鈥
Citrus Racing is student run with faculty and staff advisors available for consultation. That model gives students opportunity take risks and learn from failures.
Brennan said the experience has shaped members into more than capable engineers. 鈥淥ur members take full responsibility for every problem that lands at their feet鈥攂ecause they have to,鈥 he says. 鈥淐itrus Racing is not just a club, it is an ECS sports team that transcends the years.鈥
New Leadership Named for 2026鈥27 Season
Nico O鈥橬eill, a Ph.D. student in physics in the , will serve as the club鈥檚 president in the coming year. O鈥橬eill has been managing much of the team鈥檚 back-end operations and was recognized for that work with the formal appointment.
Additional lead positions will be published on the once all appointments are finalized.
What Comes Next
Design work for the next Citrus Racing car is scheduled to begin by June 1, 2027. Incoming leadership will establish high-level improvement goals and set deadlines over the summer, following the same development calendar used in 2025. The team has committed to continuing development of internal combustion vehicles for the near term, while advancing electric vehicle research in parallel. Those interested in getting involved can reach the team鈥檚 leadership at formsae@syr.edu.
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