Rules

Rules which are updated or added for 2026 are highlighted.

Shootout Rules

Unless otherwise specified, the 2026 FSAE Rules will be referenced and enforced on site.

1. Sportsmanship, Eligibility, and Expectation of Conduct

a. Sportsmanship is expected of all team members. This is a reminder that, while this is NOT an SAE sanctioned event, teams are still representing their schools, their SAE Collegiate Chapters, and themselves.

b. All competition participants must be 18 or over to attend the Pittsburgh Shootout. Spectators need not be over 18, but must be accompanied by an adult such as a parent or guardian.

c. The Pittsburgh Shootout reserves the right to ask individuals or teams to leave the event in the case of misconduct such as: violation of facility or event rules, inappropriate usage of the facilities, property damage, or otherwise inappropriate behavior.

d. The Pittsburgh Shootout operates with the expectation that teams arrive ready to race. Vehicles which are expected to not pass inspections or not run are encouraged to drop from registration to make room for a team ready to race.

e. The Pittsburgh Shootout reserves the right to impound a vehicle from a team who violates the rules. The duration of impound will be 30 minutes or more.

2. Technical Inspection

a. EV/Hybrid

i. EV Technical Inspection will consist of Tractive Battery, EV Active, Mechanical, Rain, and Brakes test.

ii. EV teams must have minimum Tractive Battery, EV Active, Mechanical, and Rain stickers from another competition to be eligible at the Pittsburgh Shootout.

iii. EV teams may be asked for a tractive battery inspection video pre-event to accelerate inspections on site.

b. IC

i. IC Technical Inspection will consist of Standard IC Inspection, Mechanical Inspection, and Brakes test.

c. Technical Inspection will be conducted by non-student volunteers.

d. A copy of the 2026 Tech sheet will be provided when available.

e. Alumni vehicles will be inspected to the ruleset to which they were built. Reasonable adjustments may be made to inspection based on work done to the cars post-competition year and the age of the vehicle. At a bare minimum, they are expected to have:

i. A functioning brake light and BOTS.

ii. Two E-stops, one in the cockpit and one outside (two for EV) per FSAE rules.

iii. An Impact Attenuator in good condition appropriately attached to the car with structural adhesive.

iv. Belts attached to the car following the FSAE rules. Unexpired belts are highly preferred; expired belts may be acceptable if in perfect condition and only recently expired (~1 year).

v. No frame damage, whether rust or structural.

vi. No fluid leaks.

vii. Safety wiring of critical fasteners.

viii. A sealed firewall.

f. EV alumni vehicles built more than one year before the current ruleset may be allowed to participate at the discretion of the Pittsburgh Shootout. They will be inspected to the ruleset to which they were built. Reasonable adjustments may be made to inspection based on modern EV rules.

g. The Pittsburgh Shootout may request documentation such as SES, ESF, FMEA, etc. to evaluate vehicle readiness and eligibility. Failure to produce these documents may result in disqualification.

h. The Pittsburgh Shootout Lead Technical Inspectors reserve the right to disqualify any vehicle, regardless of age or class, due to safety considerations at any time prior to or during the event.

3. Dynamic Areas Access, Spectating, and Photography

a. Dynamic Areas will be clearly marked with signs and controlled by a Shootout volunteer.

b. A maximum of six students, including the driver, should be with the vehicle in the Dynamic Areas.

c. Photography

i. Photographers are encouraged to stay in spectator areas.

ii. Those who wish to enter the Dynamic Area must go to Registration with a spotter to receive a vest and instructions.

d. Spectating

i. Students may spectate the event by standing outside the Dynamic Areas around the guardrails.

ii. Other spectating areas will be marked on the map and with signage. Vests are not required in these areas.

iii. Families of student competitors are welcome to attend the Shootout. Rules apply to all attendees, whether spectators or participants. Spectators may not drive the vehicles. People interested in spectating may be charged a $25 gate fee by SPMP. Please review their park rules before arriving.

e. Corner Working

i. Corner working is scheduled per team. Students shall report to the identified location below, which is at the start line of North Autocross and Finish of South, to work about 10 minutes prior to their assigned time to work the track.