The excerpt below is from LeTourneau University’s Renegade Racing 2024-2025 Sponsorship Packet.
“Since 1987, Renegade Racing has sought to glorify God by developing world-class engineers who overcome challenges and compete at the highest level. [From the beginning, LeTourneau’s Baja SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) team Renegade Racing has sought to bring glory to God by 
developing world class engineers. Renegade Racing consists of aspiring engineers who aim to design, build, and test an off-road racing vehicle.] We introduce students to the complexities of fabricating their own designs, fostering both competency and ingenuity within their field. The project experience we provide— from freshman through graduate levels—enables students to test their abilities, grow professionally, and participate in a Christian community.”
Being THE Polytechnic University, LeTourneau is dedicated to teaching students academically but also being able to apply what they’ve learned. One area in particular: a student club, SAE for the professional development of engineering students. According to Jim Mann, at its start in 1987, the goals of SAE are “to develop a strong student club and spread our Christian witness through technical ability.” (Jim Mann, LeTourneau SAE President, 1991).
Throughout the years, Baja SAE has competed in various mini competitions. In 1992, SAE participates in a Mini Baja on April 23-25 at the University of Texas at El Paso. The team not only planned new designs but built them. In the following year, there was a hybrid competition that required the help form other majors. This was the start of SAE joining the senior design team projects. Engineering seniors have the opportunity to apply the learned skills to a final major project to cap off their undergraduate careers. With SAE, the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that is required for this project made it a valuable addition to the senior design projects. Baja’s team was given the name “Renegade Racing”. “The name ‘Renegade’ encompasses the ethos of the team to intentionally challenge the norm. No other senior design team regularly engages incoming freshman student from day one of their college career” (John Richards, Renegade Racing Team Lead, ’25).
Baja SAE prepares students to test engineering and organizational skills, gain experience in the fabrication and assembly, and most importantly to spread our Christian witness through technical ability.
Click here to donate to the BAJA Team and stay updated on their current progess.
