Pittsburgh Shootout Moving Fundraiser

The Pittsburgh Shootout was formed for the facilitation of racing, time trial, and related events catered towards formula student teams to promote networking, collaboration, and education through their university programs. Consistent student testimony shows the participants value the event; often, this event is the most driving the students get to do with their vehicles every year. Access to facilities, track rental costs, insurance costs, and limited personnel are often cited by the students as reasons they cannot drive the cars more regularly. Using the Pittsburgh Shootout as not only a competition day but also as a testing and validation experience adds educational value to the students' participation in the series.

As alumni of the series and still-active volunteers in the organizational community, the organizing staff at the Pittsburgh Shootout seeks to continue to improve the students' experience and facilitate a driving day that is safe, fun, and beneficial to their continuing education. Staff conducts inspections of the student vehicles meeting or exceeding the baselines set by the official competition series facilitated by SAE International so they are ready to race. Taking an active role in improving the students' experience allows the staff team to mentor and develop these budding engineers.

The 501c3 was formed to open new doors for funding and facilitate growth of the competition. The enrollment in the race started at 7 schools in 2016 and has grown to over 50 teams registering for a chance to compete in the 2024 race. Registration fees are collected to cover the baseline costs of track rental, insurance, and rental of facilities such as tents and power, but in an effort to keep the costs low for the student teams, sponsorship is pursued for "nice to have" items such as prizes for the fastest teams, AV, coverage of camping fees for the students, and gift certificates to racing suppliers.