The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a high-performance steel, Ferrium C61, which has found applications in prestigious racing events like Formula One and the Baja 1000. Initially designed by Gregory B. Olson and his team at the MIT Steel Research Group, Ferrium C61 was created using computational materials design, a groundbreaking approach that Olson pioneered. This innovative steel was first intended for helicopter gears but transitioned to the racing industry after discussions with the Newman/Haas racing team. Its unique properties allowed it to withstand extreme conditions, significantly enhancing gear durability in off-road racing. For instance, Baja 1000 racers saw their gear lifespan increase from an average of 0.6 races to 6 races when using Ferrium C61. The steel's success caught the attention of Red Bull Racing, who adopted it for their gearsets, resulting in no gearbox failures during their championship runs. Now, the MIT Motorsports team is set to utilize this advanced material in their 2026 electric race car for the Formula SAE Electric competition, further demonstrating the steel's versatility and performance capabilities.