Team
Directors
Panther Racing has three directors: Executive, Technical, and Business. The Executive Director oversees the overall scope of the team, while the Technical Director handles the design and manufacturing of each car, and the Business Director oversees the finances, social media, marketing, and general outreach.
Advisors
Our advisors are senior members of the team who serve as key points of integration between subsystems that they have interdisciplinary knowledge of. Our five advisors are Electronics, Integration and Production, Performance, Powertrain, and Vehicle Dynamics.
Subteam Leads
The Aerodynamics Subteam designs, simulates, and manufactures wings, bodywork, and other aerodynamic elements for our car. Our members use computer-aided design, computational fluid dynamics, and carbon fiber manufacturing techniques to complete a full vehicle aerodynamics package.
The Brakes Subteam is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and validating a system that can decelerate the car without losing stability or consistency. This allows the car to corner at optimal speeds as well as come to a complete stop while driving.
The Composites Subteam does research, designs, and manufactures custom composite components to create efficient and robust parts for the car. We also work closely with the Aerodynamics Subteam in the creation of the aero package and bodywork for the car, as well as other composite parts.
The Cooling Subteam designs, builds, and maintains the car’s cooling system to effectively dissipate heat from the motor and inverter during operation.They also work closely with the Electrical and Powertrain Subteams to integrate the cooling system with heat-generating components and ensure reliable system performance throughout competition.
The Powertrain Subteam is in charge of power transfer from the accumulator to the wheels. They choose and implement parts for the motors, transmissions, driveline components, and design any required mounting components.
The Firmware Subteam develops the car's firmware, wireless/live telemetry for data collection, testing and validation plans in collaboration with other subteams, and advanced sensor projects. They tackle a wide range of projects, bringing together members with diverse backgrounds and skills, and maintain strong collaboration with the Low Voltage Subteam.
The Low Voltage Subteam is responsible for connecting all of the electrical components across the car. This connects the various subsystems, allowing for data acquisition and controls systems.
The Ergonomics Subteam is responsible for all driver interface with the car except for brakes. This includes designing, manufacturing, and validating systems relating to driver safety, driver comfort, and steering.
The Finance Subteam is responsible for the allocation of our budget to our technical subteams along with tracking their purchases. For competition, they are responsible for the cost report, real cost event, and a portion of the business presentation.
The High Voltage Subteam handles everything from the battery pack to the motor, including custom electronics, cabling, and hardware.
The Marketing Subteam is responsible for planning and managing all of Panther Racing’s publicity events and initiatives. In everything from alumni relations to crowdfunding, they design and implement projects like the Panther Racing Newsletter and Rollout to bring Panther Racing the spotlight it deserves.
The Outreach Subteam showcases Panther Racing’s exceptional achievements, cultivates relationships with corporate partners, recruits new members, and promotes a healthy team culture.
The Social Media Subteam is responsible for managing the team's online presence on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok to showcase the team's progress, events, sponsors, and behind-the-scenes moments. Make sure to follow us @pittfsae!
The Structures Subteam creates the chassis, which rigidly connects the front and rear suspension. The chassis also provides attachment points for various components, protects the driver, and withstands the static and dynamic loads of racing.
The Vehicle Dynamics Subteam designs, analyzes, and tunes vehicle subsystems to optimize handling, stability, and overall performance.
Faculty Advisor
William Slaughter
Associate Professor