Our History
How FTAD started and where we're headed.
Our Journey
FTAD Founded
A group of students and mentors launched Formula Theory and Automotive Design with a simple idea: combine engineering, entrepreneurship, and competitive driving into one program that treats high-school students like professionals.
First Chapter Launched
Mechanicsburgh City High School became the first official FTAD chapter, forming three teams and beginning prototype builds in a converted auto-shop classroom.
First Regional Event
The Northeast Regional in Boston marked FTAD's inaugural competition, bringing together twelve teams from three chapters for two days of engineering presentations, partner pitches, and head-to-head racing.
National Expansion
New chapters opened across California, Texas, Illinois, and Ontario, growing the program to over 500 students and setting the stage for the first FTAD Nationals.
Meet the Founders
The people behind FTAD.
Valentin Gornostaev
Co-Founder & CEO
A competitive RC racing enthusiast turned educator, Valentin envisioned a program where students could experience the full lifecycle of a racing organization — from CAD to the podium.
Arjun Mehta
Co-Founder & COO
With a background in student organizations and event logistics, Arjun built the operational framework that allows FTAD chapters to launch quickly and run sustainably.
Lena Kowalski
Co-Founder & CTO
A software engineer and former FIRST Robotics mentor, Lena designed the data platform and simulation tools that power FTAD's engineering pillar.