Laker Racing, Grand Valley State University’s Formula SAE team, went to Michigan Central Race Days in Detroit for the first time this past week.
More than a car show, Michigan Central Race Days is a celebration of Detroit’s motorsport legacy, and an opportunity for learning, networking and connecting with a community of automotive professionals and enthusiasts. Taking place at Michigan Central Station from Jan. 18-30, the event focuses on Ford Racing and showcasing new vehicles, as well as those built by Michigan students, state-of-the-art racing simulators, youth experiences and live-music events.
The event provided Laker Racing with a unique opportunity to connect with Ford Racing.
“Our main goal for attending this event is networking,” said the group’s Faculty Advisor, Nicholas Baine. “We are looking to make connections with people at Ford Racing and other motorsport organizations.”
Formula SAE is an international student-design competition organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers that challenges university students to design, manufacture and race small, formula-style cars. The vehicles undergo technical inspections, performance testing, endurance and autocross racing, and are given a score based on best overall design, construction, performance and cost.
The University announced a partnership with Michigan Central in October that aims to expand workforce development and educational opportunities in Detroit, particularly within the automotive, manufacturing and robotics fields. This partnership also hopes to connect students with employers and startups across Michigan Central’s network.
“The experience at the event has been incredibly exciting, allowing us to interact with industry professionals and the public, and share the student-led innovation that goes into our vehicle,” said Laker Racing Vice President Grant Hayford.
Laker Racing is currently showcasing their LR25 race car, which is the most advanced vehicle ever made by the team. In May 2025, they placed 63rd out of 120 teams from around the world at the Formula SAE competition at the Michigan International Speedway.
“Laker Racing is more than just a car, it’s a hands-on engineering experience that develops technical skills, teamwork, leadership and project management,” Hayford said. “The team is open to students from many disciplines, not just engineering, and it’s a great way to apply classroom knowledge to a real, competitive project while building strong industry connections.”
After Michigan Central Race Days, the LR25 will be exhibited in the West Michigan SAE booth at the Michigan International Auto Show in Grand Rapids from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2.
The team is using what they learned during the design and build of LR25 in the pursuit of LR26, with the hopes of shifting back to a one-year design cycle.
