From Design to Drive Training: ART Quarterly Update

Academy Racing continued to maintain strong momentum heading into Q2 of 2026, with the team focusing on critical training for new members while finalising key design decisions for MD26. Now well into the term we are hitting our expected timelines and reaching our goals. 

As the semester progresses, the team remains focused on ambitious goals across design, manufacturing, and testing, with every subsystem continuing to move closer towards production readiness. The dedication shown by both returning and new members has ensured steady progress across all areas of the project.

Design Spotlight

The accumulator is one of the most critical systems within the car, serving as the primary energy storage unit for the drivetrain. Designed to safely deliver high levels of power while meeting the strict FSAE-A regulations, the accumulator requires careful integration of electrical and structural systems.

Throughout the semester, the team has continued refining the accumulator design to improve reliability, serviceability, and overall performance. This includes ongoing work in cooling, packaging, and safety systems to ensure the car can consistently perform under demanding conditions on track.

Our key goal for this year is an accumulator that is easier to access and manage throughout the season including improving the layout, accessibility of segments and container size. The new segment boards have arrived and are being prepared, soldered and connected by the team. 

We have transitioned our accumulator from a 4-segment structure to a 6-segment structure, allowing for greater flexibility, better control and a safer setup. Now fully in the manufacturing phase, the team is excited to see the hard work in designs come to fruition as MD26 comes together.

Team Spotlight

The other focus on the team this term has been the start of our drive training program. Led by our Driver Integration and Management Lead, Harry, prospective drivers have been taking on weekly driver challenges using our sim to test a range of skills. The challenges so far have focused on consistency, track management and learning and adapting to driving different cars. 

As we continue through the challenges, we are seeing a strong group of drivers compete in our own sim driving championship with points awarded weekly. 

The results of the championship and overall work of the drivers will contribute to our chosen drivers for MD26 and at the FSAE-A Competition in December. 

2026 Competition

Academy Racing is excited for the 2026 Formula SAE-A Competition, set to be held at the new location of The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Moving away from the long-standing venue of Calder Park, Victoria, the change presents an exciting opportunity for teams to experience one of Australia’s premier motorsport facilities.

For Academy Racing, the competition represents the culmination of countless hours of design, manufacturing, testing, and teamwork. As preparations continue throughout 2026, the team is looking forward to showcasing MD26 and competing alongside the best student engineering teams in Australia.

As always, thank you to our sponsors and supporters for their continued support throughout the season. Your contributions play a vital role in enabling Academy Racing to continue designing, building, and competing at the highest level.

We’re excited for what lies ahead and can’t wait to show everyone what Academy Racing is achieving in 2026.