CU Boulder Racing Team
CU Boulder Racing Team (Buffs Racing) is a 501(c)(3) collegiate racing organization at the University of Colorado Boulder that designs, builds, and races custom Formula SAE and ChampCar endurance race cars, serving 150-300+ student members and competing across North America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersBoulder, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What CU Boulder Racing Team does
CU Boulder Racing Team (also known as Buffs Racing or CUBRT) is a 501(c)(3) collegiate racing organization founded in 2016 at the University of Colorado Boulder, operating within the College of Engineering and Applied Science ecosystem. The organization runs two racing divisions—Formula SAE (internal combustion, with an electric vehicle program launching in 2026) and ChampCar Endurance Series—and is staffed by 150-300+ student members spanning all majors and academic levels. Members design, fabricate, and race custom single-seater and endurance race cars that can reach speeds of approximately 150 mph, competing annually at Formula SAE Michigan against 120+ international teams and at ChampCar endurance events across North America.
The team's engineering portfolio spans seven iterations of internal combustion vehicles (CB1 through CB7), with progressively advanced technical milestones: CB4 was the first vehicle to pass technical inspection and the first to incorporate an in-house carbon fiber monocoque (placing 20th at the 2023 Michigan FSAE IC event); CB5 introduced the team's first aerodynamics package and differential, paired with a new intake system delivering a 30% power increase; CB6 became the first vehicle to weigh just over 200 kg through comprehensive subsystem weight reduction at the 2025 Michigan competition. The team is developing CBE1, its first electric competition vehicle, for debut at the Formula SAE EV competition in June 2026, with CB7 (the fastest vehicle to date) launching in March 2026.
The organization's revenue model relies entirely on corporate sponsorships, tax-deductible donations, and merchandise sales—no commercial products are sold. Sponsorships are offered across five tiers (Title, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) plus a Supporter level, with annual billing and graduated benefits including logo placement, competition visibility, and access to CU Boulder's 36,000+ student body for targeted recruitment and advertising. The current Title sponsor roster includes EEF, MESAB, and Real Digital, with Platinum support from CEAS, Paul M Rady, ECEE, AccuPrecision, Noco Waterjet, Nexus, SKF, Sheridan LLC, and Gefran, and additional backing from companies including Tesla, ANSYS, Altium, and Haltech at lower tiers.
CU Boulder Racing Team firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CU Boulder Racing Team
- Legal name
- CU Boulder Racing Team
- Website
- https://buffsracing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- CU Boulder Racing Team (Buffs Racing) is a 501(c)(3) collegiate racing organization at the University of Colorado Boulder that designs, builds, and races custom Formula SAE and ChampCar endurance race cars, serving 150-300+ student members and competing across North America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CU Boulder Racing Team industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Collegiate Motorsports Engineering
- NAICS
- Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Motorsport Driver Training Schools & Racing Academies (MPAKAJAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support (EDALAIAN)
Keywords
Where CU Boulder Racing Team is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boulder
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CU Boulder Racing Team business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial and in-kind support in exchange for global exposure, marketing, and recruiting opportunities. Sponsors access the entire CU Boulder student body of over 36,000 for targeted recruitment and advertising, plus competition and showcase appearances across North America.
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations through the University of Colorado Boulder giving platform. All sponsorships and donations are 501(c)(3) deductible.
- Merchandise Sales: Team operates a shop selling merchandise to supporters and alumni.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Tiered sponsorship packages with increasing benefits at each level |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
CU Boulder Racing Team product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CU Boulder Racing Team is a student-led collegiate motorsports organization that designs, fabricates, and races single-seater Formula SAE race cars (CB1–CB7) and endurance race cars for the ChampCar Endurance Series. The team, which has over 300 members across two divisions, competes in collegiate motorsports competitions across North America and is developing its first electric competition vehicle (CBE1) for the Formula SAE EV competition in June 2026. The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through corporate sponsorships, donations, and merchandise sales.
Product overview
CU Boulder Racing Team operates two racing programs: Formula SAE and ChampCar Endurance Series. The Formula SAE program produces a series of internal combustion race cars (CB1 through CB7), with the team currently developing their first electric vehicle (CBE1). The cars are student-built single-seater race cars designed for collegiate competition, with each iteration (CB4, CB5, CB6) representing progressive refinements in design, aerodynamics, and performance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CB4 Formula SAE Race Car The team's most successful design cycle to date and the first vehicle to ever pass technical inspection. CB4 attended the 2023 Michigan FSAE IC event and placed 20th, and it hosted the team's first piece of carbon fiber crafted in-house. It is a student-built single-seater race car for collegiate Formula SAE competition.
- CB5 Formula SAE Race Car Competed in the 2024 Formula SAE IC Michigan competition. CB5 was the team's first-ever vehicle with an aerodynamics package and a differential, with the move away from direct-linkage front suspension and a 30% power increase from a new intake system.
- CB6 Formula SAE Race Car Competed in the 2025 Formula SAE competition at Michigan International Speedway. Developed on the most ambitious timeline in team history, CB6 focused on optimization and efficiency, with nearly every subsystem undergoing weight reduction to reach a vehicle mass of just over 200 kg.
- CB7 Formula SAE Race Car Upcoming vehicle that will be the team's fastest vehicle to date. CB7 is a refinement of CB6 and is scheduled to debut in March 2026 at the Formula SAE Michigan competition.
- CBE1 Electric Formula SAE Race Car The team's first electric competition vehicle. After years of behind-the-scenes development, CBE1 will debut in the Formula SAE EV competition in June 2026, marking the team's transition into electric vehicle motorsports.
- Formula SAE Competition Program A student design competition endorsed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), in which students design, build, and race a single-seater race car following strict rules. The team competes in both dynamic and static events including design, cost, and business model presentations, at events such as Formula SAE Michigan.
- ChampCar Endurance Series Competition Program The team builds endurance race cars to compete in the ChampCar Endurance Series, one of the racing categories the team participates in alongside Formula SAE, with races across North America.
Quantifiable outcome
- Liam Travis advanced from CUBRT President and FSAE Chief Engineer to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team as Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use CU Boulder Racing Team
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CU Boulder Racing Team technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
CU Boulder Racing Team partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
37 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, supporting and minor.
- EEF (Title Sponsor)flagshipTitle-level sponsor providing financial and in-kind support for the racing program. EEF enjoys prominent logo placement and marketing benefits associated with top-tier sponsorship.
- MESAB (Title Sponsor)flagshipTitle-level sponsor supporting the CU Boulder Racing Team. MESAB receives premium brand visibility and recruiting access to CU Boulder students.
- Real Digital (Title Sponsor)flagshipTitle sponsor providing support for the racing program with benefits including global brand exposure and access to engineering talent pipeline.
- CEAScorePlatinum-level sponsor of the racing team.
- Paul M RadycorePlatinum-level sponsor supporting the program.
- ECEEcorePlatinum-level sponsor (Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering department).
- AccuPrecisioncorePlatinum-level sponsor providing precision manufacturing support.
- Noco WaterjetcorePlatinum-level sponsor providing waterjet cutting services.
- NexuscorePlatinum-level sponsor.
- SKFcorePlatinum-level sponsor (bearing and motion technology).
- Sheridan LLCcorePlatinum-level sponsor.
- GefrancorePlatinum-level sponsor (sensors and instrumentation).
- Rugged RadiosupportingGold-level sponsor providing communications equipment for racing vehicles.
- The Boost CreepsupportingGold-level sponsor.
- ChampcarsupportingGold-level sponsor and endurance racing series organizer.
- Lucky DogsupportingGold-level sponsor (endurance racing related).
- Dark Arts PerformancesupportingGold-level sponsor.
- WabtecminorSilver-level sponsor.
- TeslaminorSilver-level sponsor.
- DRSminorBronze-level sponsor.
- CCICminorBronze-level sponsor.
- RVAminorBronze-level sponsor.
- HaasminorBronze-level sponsor (CNC equipment).
- OSHCUTminorBronze-level sponsor (laser cutting).
- SRAMminorBronze-level sponsor (components).
- CelsiussupportingSupport-level sponsor providing energy products for events and track days.
- HaltechsupportingSupport-level sponsor providing engine management systems and ECU technology.
- Easy CompositessupportingSupport-level sponsor providing composite materials and expertise.
- EstessupportingSupport-level sponsor.
- DigikeysupportingSupport-level sponsor providing electronic components and distribution.
- BendersupportingSupport-level sponsor (electrical safety equipment).
- LTU FSAEsupportingUniversity racing team that helped CU Boulder during engine crisis at 2026 IC Competition by providing engine parts, working Haltech, and intake materials.
- Mines FormulasupportingColorado collegiate racing team that assisted CU Boulder during 2026 IC Competition engine issues.
- UConn Formula SAEsupportingUniversity racing team that helped CU Boulder during engine crisis at 2026 IC Competition.
- CSU Ram RacingsupportingColorado State University racing team that assisted CU Boulder during 2026 IC Competition engine issues.
- Sun Devil MotorsportssupportingArizona State University team that hosted Southwest Shootout event and hosts competition events attended by CU Boulder Racing Team.
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International)flagshipOrganization that endorses and organizes Formula SAE competitions globally. SAU Boulder Racing Team participates in SAE-sanctioned competitions.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
CU Boulder Racing Team competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- University of Michigan Formula SAE: University of Michigan's long-running Formula SAE team competing in the same FSAE competitions. Both are similarly large collegiate motorsport engineering programs with sponsor-funded budgets and competition-focused objectives.
- Virginia Tech Motorsports: Virginia Tech's Formula SAE team competing in the same global collegiate competition. Both teams operate as student-run organizations developing custom race cars and pursuing title-tier corporate sponsorships.
- Georgia Tech Motorsports: Georgia Tech's Formula SAE team with a comparable structure: a student-led organization designing and building a competition race car. Both teams participate in the same FSAE competitions and rely on tiered corporate sponsorships to fund vehicle development.
- UC Berkeley Racing: UC Berkeley's Formula SAE team with a comparable large-scale collegiate racing program. Both teams operate as student-led engineering organizations competing in FSAE and other collegiate motorsport events.
- MIT Motorsports: MIT's Formula SAE team operating with a similarly structured collegiate engineering competition program that designs, builds, and races a single-seater race car. Both teams compete in the same FSAE competitions and operate as student-led engineering organizations sponsored by corporate partners.
- UCLA Formula Racing: UCLA's Formula SAE team with a similar member structure and competition focus. Both teams represent major university engineering programs in the global Formula SAE series and run tiered sponsorship programs.
- Purdue Motorsports: Purdue's Formula SAE team with a similar student-led race car engineering program. Both teams compete in the same FSAE Michigan events and maintain comparable corporate sponsorship structures.
- Stanford Racing: Stanford's Formula SAE team with a comparable collegiate engineering competition program. Both teams design and build custom race cars for FSAE competitions and operate with sponsor-funded budgets.
- Cornell Racing: Cornell University's Formula SAE team operating with a similar student-led structure and competition focus. Both teams are part of the broader FSAE collegiate motorsport ecosystem and pursue industry sponsorship.
- Texas A&M Formula SAE: Texas A&M's Formula SAE team operating a similar collegiate motorsport engineering program. Both teams design, build, and race custom single-seater race cars in the same competition series.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CU Boulder Racing Team social profiles
Digital presenceCU Boulder Racing Team financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CU Boulder Racing Team leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
CU Boulder Racing Team funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CU Boulder Racing Team M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CU Boulder Racing Team
What does CU Boulder Racing Team do?
CU Boulder Racing Team is a student-led collegiate motorsports organization that designs, fabricates, and races single-seater Formula SAE race cars (CB1–CB7) and endurance race cars for the ChampCar Endurance Series. The team, which has over 300 members across two divisions, competes in collegiate motorsports competitions across North America and is developing its first electric competition vehicle (CBE1) for the Formula SAE EV competition in June 2026. The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through corporate sponsorships, donations, and merchandise sales.
Is CU Boulder Racing Team a public or private company?
CU Boulder Racing Team is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CU Boulder Racing Team founded?
CU Boulder Racing Team was founded in 2016. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is CU Boulder Racing Team based?
CU Boulder Racing Team is headquartered in Boulder, United States, in the North America region.
How does CU Boulder Racing Team make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Sponsorships are the primary driver. The others are donations and merchandise Sales.
Who are CU Boulder Racing Team's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are University of Michigan Formula SAE, Virginia Tech Motorsports, Georgia Tech Motorsports, UC Berkeley Racing, MIT Motorsports, UCLA Formula Racing, Purdue Motorsports, Stanford Racing, Cornell Racing and Texas A&M Formula SAE.
Does CU Boulder Racing Team have an API?
No public API is recorded for CU Boulder Racing Team.
What industry is CU Boulder Racing Team in?
CU Boulder Racing Team's product category is Collegiate Motorsports Engineering. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAJAJ, Motorsport Driver Training Schools & Racing Academies, with a secondary code of EDALAIAN, Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support. Its NAICS code is 713940 and its SIC code is 7997.