Meet the 2026-2027 System Leads Driving Cardinal Formula Racing's Success
At Cardinal Formula Racing, a "System Lead" plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing a specific subsystem of the racecar. This individual guides their team through the design, development, and integration of the subsystem, ensuring it aligns with the car's overall engineering goals each year. Additionally, the System Lead is responsible for balancing these duties with the demands of being a full-time student.
Asher Wilton is currently the Team Captain of Cardinal Formula Racing. He has been a member of the team for three years and is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In his role, he oversees the team's operations, coordinates efforts across all subsystems, and helps guide the overall direction of the organization. Drawing on his engineering experience, Asher works closely with team members to support vehicle development, ensure effective collaboration, and drive progress toward the team's goals. His leadership contributes to both the performance of the Formula SAE car and the continued growth and success of the team.
Johnathan Stack is currently the suspension system lead for Cardinal Formula Racing and has been an active member of the team since 2023 while pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. In his role, he leads the design, manufacturing, assembly, and tuning of the vehicle’s suspension components to ensure optimal track performance, handling, and driver control. In addition to the suspension system, Johnathan also works closely with other system leads to ensure optimal interaction between vehicle components, and to understand their contribution to overall vehicle dynamics.
Ethan is the current lead of electrical systems and Associate Team Captain for Cardinal Formula Racing. In the past three years of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, he has spearheaded the design, development, and fabrication of all electrical systems on the race car. His contributions to the team, focused on sustainability and efficient design, have kept safety at the forefront and helped CFR gain a competitive edge. In addition to his engineering role, Ethan is also responsible for ensuring smooth success through project management, team organization, and external communication.
Michael Domenicucci is a Powertrain Co Lead for Cardinal Formula Racing and has been part of the team since fall 2024. He is studying Mechanical Engineering at Saginaw Valley State University, where he focuses on applying classroom concepts to engine performance, drivetrain reliability, and system integration. In his role for the 2026–2027 season, he helps guide design decisions, supports manufacturing and testing efforts, and works with other subsystem leads to ensure the powertrain fits smoothly into the overall vehicle. He also assists newer members in learning the fundamentals of powertrain work and hands on shop practices. His contributions support the team’s ongoing development of a competitive and dependable FSAE car.
PJ Lasky is currently the Chassis Lead for Cardinal Formula Racing. He has been a member of the team for 2 school years while pursuing a degree in Engineering Technology and Management. In his role he oversees the manufacturing and assembly of the vehicles structure and fabricated parts, with a large focus on the welding of components and vehicle structure. He works closely with many systems to determine placement of their components and any part construction needed to place their components on the chassis.
Jackson Cousino is a Mechanical Engineering student and third-year member of Cardinal Formula Racing. After previously serving as the Lead of Control System Engineering, he transitioned to the Powertrain Team to pursue his passion for engine development and performance optimization. This season, Jackson is helping lead the transition from a Yamaha R6 engine to a Suzuki GSX-R600 powerplant. He is involved in engine assembly, integration, and dynamometer testing, using data-driven methods to optimize performance, reliability, and efficiency. Working alongside the powertrain team, he helps develop and validate the new package to ensure it delivers strong performance and durability for competition. Through Formula SAE, Jackson has gained experience in engine development, testing, and vehicle integration while contributing to the team's continued success. He enjoys the challenge of turning test data into on-track results and is excited to help bring the new GSX-R600 package to life this season.[
Bryce M Kuchar is the 3rd year mechanical engineer who leads the aerodynamics team. Bryce has been working with Cardinal Formula Racing since 2024, when he enrolled at SVSU. As the system lead, Bryce will be spending his year researching and developing the car's air-cooling system, downforce production, and drag reduction features. Due to the wide range of effects air can have on the vehicle, communication between Bryce and the other system leads is crucial to the team's success.
Bryce is often seen in the race shop and the Ryder Center, so feel free to say hello if you want to chat about nerdy aerodynamics stuff.
Alec McDougal oversees Data Acquisition for Cardinal Formula Racing. He is starting his second year on the team, pushing a data-driven approach to the design process. This philosophy is being realized by reimagining how data is gathered from the car and utilizing a variety of sensors combined with steady state testing to optimize vehicle performance. In addition to this, he is working closely with the Electrical team to develop a custom sensor package for reading data from the car as well as post processing it with custom software. Alec also works closely with other systems like Suspension, Powertrain, and Aerodynamics to design tests and collect data to assist in the research and development process. In addition to Cardinal Formula Racing, Alec is pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and plans to graduate in spring of 2029.
Alexandra Andres is currently the Controls Lead for Cardinal Formula Racing and has been a member of the team for the past two academic years. In her current role, she is responsible for the braking, steering, and shifting systems of the Formula SAE car. She designs these control systems to improve vehicle performance, reliability, and safety. Alexandra works closely with the other subsystem leads to ensure integration of controls with systems like chassis, suspension, and powertrain. She is also responsible for ensuring that all control systems are reliable and ready for competition.
Evelyn Wollesen is the Lead of Composites Engineering for CFR. This will be her second year as an active member on the team. She is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with plans to acquire a master's in automotive engineering. As composites lead, Evelyn is responsible for designing molds and manufacturing all composite parts used on and in the car including the nose cone, side pods, floor, seats and some aerodynamic components. On top of this, she collaborates closely with other subsystem leads to ensure each part meets competition regulations and are optimal for strength, weight, and performance. This year, she has goals to improve laying techniques, work on an efficient timeline, and support other subsystems as much as possible.
Mya Copenhafer is currently the Lead of Media and Marketing for Cardinal Formula Racing and has been a member of the team for 1 year. In her role, she manages the team’s social media accounts, creating content that highlights engineering progress and team milestones. She oversees digital outreach and ensures consistent communication across platforms to engage students, alumni, sponsors, and the Formula SAE community. Mya also collaborates with other subsystem leads to showcase their work and promote sponsor partnerships.
Meet the dedicated team members who burn the midnight oil, driving Cardinal Formula Racing to success year after year. Our System Leads are just one gear in the engine that powers Cardinal Formula Racing. Every member brings unique skills and expertise, ensuring peak performance from design to race day. Fueled by passion, precision, and teamwork, our team rises to the challenges of Formula SAE competition, making every lap a testament to our collective effort.
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