About the Challenge

The World’s Largest STEM Competition

What is STEM Racing?

The STEM Racing challenge in the United States is an annual STEM competition that challenges students from across the US at the regional and national level. Designed for teachers, informed by engineers, and endorsed by Formula 1, this program sets students on the fast track to STEM success; and provides a lot of fun on the way there. The competition features several ‘project elements,’ detailed below, and two classes of competition. It may look like a lot for a team of three to six students, but many talented students rise to the challenge each year and produce incredible products! Are you ready for the challenge?

STEM Racing Globally

Each year over a million students from 65 countries compete in STEM Racing in some form. In the US, students can compete within their classroom or at the Regional and National Finals. Regional Finals are held virtually in the Fall - where top teams then qualify to advance to the in-person National Finals in the Spring of each year. The National Champions each year, along with a handful of other select teams, advance to the annual World Finals to represent the US against the best of the best from across the world for the chance to be crowned World Champions.

Project Elements

Every STEM Racing team works throughout the year to develop their team’s branding and identity and unique car design. All their hardwork and dedication is summed up via the Project Elements they submit for regional and national competitions. Scroll through the elements below to learn more.

  • 1/20th Scale Race Cars

    Teams design, test, and manufacture a 1/20th scale F1 car that must comply with the extensive technical regulations. Teams must balance legality with their need for speed!

  • Verbal Presentation

    Teams give a 5-minute (Development Class) or 10-minute (Professional Class) Verbal Presentation on their team and its work - detailing project challenges, innovations, and their journey.

  • Reaction Racing

    At competitions, students step into the Driver’s Seat and ‘launch’ their cars during head-to-head reaction racing. Teams undergo several rounds of racing with the goal of having the fastest car and reaction time under pressure.

  • Portfolios & Interviews

    Teams develop Engineering, Enterprise, and Project Management Portfolios that document their decisions and journey to competitions. At competition, teams undergo interviews with industry professionals to justify their decisions.

  • Pit Display

    The team create a Pit Display for the competitions which outlines the highlights of their team. The 8ft x 3ft x 3ft exhibition style booth showcases their engineering, marketing materials, and more to fellow competitors, event guests, event sponsors, and judges.

Interested in Learning More?

Have we piqued your interest? Great! If you’d like to find out more about getting started with STEM Racing…

  • Check out the Competition Classes Page to learn about the different levels of the competition!

  • Visit the Rules and Regulations tab to learn more specifics about the competition!

  • Learn more about the DENFORD Primary STEM Project for younger students!

  • Follow us on social media to stay up to date on updates!

  • Reach out to us with any questions you may have at info@STEMRacing.us. We love helping new teams and interested students!

INTRODUCTION SessioN

Are you an interested student, educator, or parent and want to learn more about STEM Racing? Check out this recording where we cover common questions about how to get started with STEM Racing USA! We also host LIVE Introduction Sessions during the summer - check our social media for links!