From ACM to the Fast Lane: Sourab Shaik Turns a BGSU Connection into a Dream Internship

“Chasing data. Chasing dreams.”

For Sourab Shaik, a Computer Science student at Bowling Green State University, a routine ACM Student Chapter event turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I’ve always been obsessed with racing and cars, but I never imagined standing trackside, headset on, solving real-world problems for a pro team. It’s a dream come true—and it all started at BGSU.”
— Sourab Shaik, Computer Science

It was at one of these events that Sourab connected with representatives from Actual Reality Technologies, leading to an internship that merged his love of technology and motorsports in extraordinary ways.

This internship brought him to the iconic Sebring International Raceway, where he worked alongside a talented team—Gunnar Schmidt, Thomas Curtis, Alden Bodak, Sakar Joshi, Colby Lilly, and Vishwas Pallerla—under the guidance of Tom Bush and faculty advisor Dr. Jake Lee. Together, the students developed an innovative data analysis app for MDK Motorsports, led by entrepreneur and racing visionary Mark Kvamme.

At Sebring, Sourab engaged with racing legends such as Jan Magnussen, a former Formula 1 driver and father of current F1 star Kevin Magnussen, and Trenton Estep, an emerging talent in the racing world. These conversations offered rare insights that directly shaped the team’s approach to real-time, race-critical technology.

A technical challenge on-site—a major framework update that initially disrupted the app—tested the team’s problem-solving skills. With support from teammates back in Bowling Green, they quickly pivoted to a new analysis method, ensuring the app delivered under pressure for the MDK crew.

For Sourab, originally from India, the experience was transformational. “As an international student, securing an internship was challenging,” he shared. “But this opportunity showed me how far determination and campus involvement can take you.”

“Standing in the pits at Sebring, wearing a headset and working alongside professionals I’ve admired for years, I realized how much BGSU and its supportive community have helped me grow.”

Now, Sourab looks forward to continuing his journey at the intersection of software engineering and motorsports—a journey sparked by the simple decision to attend an ACM event.