2014 FSAE rules have been posted

[TMichaels]

If I remember correctly, FSE (FSG Electric) had something like that. Don't know if it was actually used or not.

We indeed do this for FSC and FSE since two years and the number of cars actually running at the event shows that it works.

[Cunningham]

As the design season for 2015 is beginning, this thread should probably be revisited.

My team has generated a list reasons we feel are highly supportive of not implementing a spec aero package that we will be sending to the rules committee, but what I would like to discuss is how teams are supposed to start designing 2015 cars when potential major changes such as a spec aero package have yet to be defined? This is the time when we are planning fundamental decisions such as do we design the car for a very large/aggressive wing package and go all out in minimizing weight so that our single-cylinder can overcome the drag or do we not focus as much on weight because the spec package will have so little drag due to a smaller size that we have enough power.

Look at the 2014 F1 rules change where significant warning was given--teams needed most of last season to implement the changes on this season's cars.
Look at the TUDOR series--teams were handed new rules prior to the Daytona 24 without ample time to successfully implement the changes.

Which is better?

Hint, one is being touted as "leveling" the playing field to some degree and the other is being blamed for vast differences in competitiveness.

[SomeOldGuy]

I 100% agree that the 2015 rules should be out or about to come out.
More likely to see them in September though.

[mech5496]

There was some discussion of teams contributing in the 2015 rules decision process. Should we start a new thread with reasonable suggestions, so a prosperous discussion can take place?

[Michael Royce]

Harry,
Although the rules are usually not finalized until after the US and major European (read FS UK and FSG) competitions, I suspect that you are a bit late in sending in suggestions for the 2015 Rules, because I believe the Rules Committee has been meeting for some time now. You could always try, but the time for inputs was really before Christmas.

As far as designing a 2015 car is concerned, there is nothing as far as rules are concerned to stop you starting now, based on the following:
- The Rules Committee is well aware that some teams are on a 2 year design cycle.
- Traditionally, the teams have been given 21 months notice of any rules change that the Rules Committee believe will have a significant effect on basic design decisions. And I cannot see the Committee changing that policy.

And Cunningham, nowhere have I ever seen a proposal by the Committee to have a "spec aero package".

[ausracing]

I think Cunningham was referencing to these proposed rule changes:

Notice of Possible Rule Changes for the 2015 Formula SAE Series

This section is intended to provide teams with advance notice of possible changes to the Formula SAE Rules
that are being considered by the Formula SAE Rules Committee. Only changes that might have a significant
influence on a team’s design, manufacturing or operating decisions are listed.

The changes presented in this section are only possibilities and may not be implemented. This section is
provided as information and is not intended to be the final text of the rules under consideration.

It is anticipated that this section of the regulations will be updated later in 2013 after feedback is received on
these outline proposals. If any team has strong views on the proposals then please send your feedback to
www.fsaeonline.com. You may also email your feedback to kzundel@sae.org.

T15.5 Aerodynamics 1 – The committee is considering a change to the principle of the aerodynamic
regulations whereby they require the teams to think very carefully about the aero package that they choose. The
proposal is to achieve this by developing 3 sets of aerodynamic regulations and rotating the regulations every 2
years creating a 6 year cycle. This will ensure that most team members will only work with a specific set of
aerodynamic regulations for a maximum of 2 years and each team will have to develop their aero package from
first principles. The intention is to bring addition challenge to the competition for every student that takes part.
Feedback from teams on this proposal is welcomed.

T15.6 Aerodynamics 2 – The committee is considering adding wing supports to the SES to ensure that they
have adequate strength

[Cunningham]

Harry,

A thread might be good. Even if the rules have been decided as Michael believes, perhaps this could ensure a sufficient delay before roll out for the teams on a 2 year design cycle.

Ryan, that is what I meant by a "spec aero package." While I am sure a decent amount of freedom will be given in each set of regulations, I do fear that this is an inhibiting move for the series. Formula SAE fosters innovation through the ability of a team to work within a very wide set of rules. Highly constrained rules create innovation too, but it is usually of a much less dramatic nature.

[mech5496]

Cunningham, I am pretty sure that Mr. Royce does not simply thinks so... However, I think that a "Rules suggestion" thread might be nice, as teams sometimes have interesting ideas, and I believe that significant contribution can be done as long as we keep it serious. Both Mr. Royce and Tobias have shown numerous times that they are open to suggestion, so why not do so?