For Students
From Narrow Experts to Professional Leaders.
FTAD is a high-stakes simulation of the professional motorsport world, where sport, engineering, entrepreneurship, and leadership converge into one experience that stays with you long after the race. The skills you build here do not belong to a single industry; they belong to you: the ability to lead a team, scale an idea, and perform under pressure are what define a professional leader in any field.
Roles Within a Team.
Driver
Operates the FPV-piloted vehicle on race day, translating preparation and data into real-time performance under pressure.
Race Strategist
Reads live conditions and data from the pit, making tactical decisions that can change the outcome of a race.
Mechanical Engineer
Designs the internal architecture of the car, including chassis structure, component packaging, and suspension geometry.
Aerospace Engineer
Optimizes external surfaces for downforce and drag reduction, applying aerodynamic principles to improve on-track performance.
Electrical Engineer
Manages power distribution and sensor integration, ensuring all onboard systems communicate reliably under race conditions.
Mechanical Engineer
Designs the internal architecture of the car, including chassis structure, component packaging, and suspension geometry.
Aerospace Engineer
Optimizes external surfaces for downforce and drag reduction, applying aerodynamic principles to improve on-track performance.
Electrical Engineer
Manages power distribution and sensor integration, ensuring all onboard systems communicate reliably under race conditions.
Material Scientist
Selects and tests the physical materials of the car, from 3D print filaments to tire compounds, balancing weight, durability, and performance.
Programmer
Builds the telemetry and analysis tools that turn raw data into actionable insight for the driver and strategist.
Business / Outreach Lead
Drives the financial health of the team through sponsorship acquisition, partner relations, and resource management.
Communications Lead
Manages the team's external presence through portfolios, pitch decks, and social media, making the team's work visible and credible.
Creative Director
Shapes the visual identity of the organization, from car livery to brand assets, ensuring the team presents itself with consistency and impact.
Driver
Operates the FPV-piloted vehicle on race day, translating preparation and data into real-time performance under pressure.
Race Strategist
Reads live conditions and data from the pit, making tactical decisions that can change the outcome of a race.
These are examples of roles a team might include. Every organization is different, and teams are free to define roles that fit their strengths and goals.
Ready to Join?
Find an FTAD chapter near you and get started.