Competing race teams display true definition of sportsmanship amid tragedy

Some of Brown’s Formula SAE manufacturing team and two members of Rhody Racing, Paul Moura and Gabe Arabik, in the machine shop at URI’s College of Engineering.

KINGSTON, R.I. – Feb. 03, 2026- Last summer, Rhody Racing, University of Rhode Island’s Society of Automotive Engineers, reached out to the Formula SAE team at Brown University in preparation for their first ever race in the Formula Student Program later this year. “As a newer SAE team, we wanted to learn from experienced schools who have been to the Formula Student races before,” said Rhody Racing president Paul Moura.

Brown’s SAE team graciously provided support and the two teams developed a rapport. Rhody Racing’s vice president Mike Amighi and Moura were even invited to visit Brown’s garage to view their car and workshop. “We remained in regular contact with their team,” said Moura. Little did either group know at the time that the connection would grow into something much more than just exchanging tips on racing.

Brown student uses a drill press to create a part for their car.

That December, tragedy struck the Brown campus when a gunman opened fire in a campus engineering building, killing two students and injuring nine others. The building became a crime scene, which locked down the race team’s shop.

“When we were notified about the situation on Brown’s campus, we offered any assistance we could,” said Moura. The Brown team reached out to ask if they could use URI facilities to continue working on their car over the winter break in preparation for the season. With support from URI’s College of Engineering Dean Anthony Marchese, Rhody Racing’s team advisor Assistant Professsor Yeonho Jeong, department chair Professor Carl Rousseau and director of engineering operations Michael Trottier, they were able to get Brown space to support its efforts and continue progress on their car. The team shared the space only briefly, but it made a significant difference in their timeline. It also created and strengthened friendships and provided support during a difficult time. “We were more than happy to host Brown Formula Racing and can’t wait to compete together this upcoming May,” said Moura.

Brown SAE team members assess material to begin manufacturing of a part.

Following its visit to the URI campus, Brown’s Formula SAE team provided the following statement: “We are so grateful for the support and generosity that Rhody Racing has offered us these past few weeks. After the tragedy that unfolded at Brown this past December, we were able to continue work on our 2026 car on the URI campus, thanks to a huge effort from faculty and administrators at both URI and Brown. Being able to get back together as a team and make progress towards a common goal was very healing, and everyone at URI was so kind and helpful, going out of their way to make us feel welcome. We are especially indebted to Eli Lahoud from the URI shop, who made us feel at home, as well as the leaders of Rhody Racing, who worked hard to make this possible for us and were kind enough to let us share their space. Formula Student is a competition based around collaboration, and we are proud to call Rhody Racing a sister team. We can’t wait to see them out on track in Michigan this spring!”

Brown resumed classes for the first time since the shooting on Jan. 21, 2026 for the spring semester. The two teams are racing in the Formula SAE race in Michigan this May.