MoRe Modena Racing and UniBo Motorsport bring the Motor Valley to Formula SAE Michigan 2026

The University of Bologna and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, through their Formula SAE teams UniBo Motorsport and MoRe Modena Racing, took part in Formula SAE Michigan 2026, held from 12 to 16 May at the Michigan International Speedway (USA).

For the first time, the two teams competed together under the patronage of MUNER – Motor Valley University of Emilia-Romagna, which supported the initiative and contributed to its institutional coordination. The participation brought two student-developed prototypes from the Emilia-Romagna university system to one of the most recognised international competitions in the field of automotive and motorsport engineering.

Formula SAE Michigan, promoted by SAE International, gathers more than 110 university teams from around the world. The competition challenges students to design, develop and race formula-style vehicles, assessed through static and dynamic events including design, cost analysis, business presentation, technical inspection and on-track performance.

The 2026 edition was marked by significant logistical challenges affecting the Italian teams, as the vehicles—although shipped well in advance—were released only after the competition had already begun due to customs and shipping-related issues. This resulted in a substantially reduced preparation window on site, compressing several days of technical and safety procedures into a very short timeframe.

Despite these difficulties, both UniBo Motorsport and MoRe Modena Racing demonstrated strong technical capability and resilience, confirming the quality of their engineering work and the strength of the educational model behind Formula SAE.

MoRe Modena Racing achieved 2nd place in the Design Event, 3rd place in the Acceleration Event and 12th place overall, while UniBo Motorsport concluded the competition in 18th position overall.

“Formula SAE Michigan is a highly challenging environment where technical preparation and project execution are tested at the highest level,” said Matteo Giacopini, Faculty Advisor of MoRe Modena Racing (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia). “The results achieved, especially under such conditions, confirm the value of the students’ work.”

“Taking part in Formula SAE Michigan means competing at the highest level of international university competition,” added Nicolò Cavina, Faculty Advisor of UniBo Motorsport (University of Bologna). “The team demonstrated competence, clarity and adaptability throughout a very challenging event.”

“This experience went far beyond a competition,” stated the team leaders. “We had to complete in a few hours what normally requires days of preparation, maintaining focus and teamwork under pressure.”

MUNER continues to support Formula SAE and MotoStudent teams from the Universities of Emilia-Romagna, promoting experiential and interdisciplinary education pathways and strengthening the connection between academia, industry and the global automotive ecosystem.

“This experience shows that the Motor Valley is also a Motor Valley of education,” said Francesco Leali, member of the MUNER Steering Committee. “Supporting these initiatives means investing in the skills and global competitiveness of future engineers.”