On The Fast Track: Motorsport Teams Showcase Exciting STEM Careers in Racing Industry
It’s not every day an actual race car makes a “pit stop” at a public school, but Tucker High can boast its version of Victory Lane as students get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular sport.
The effort is all part of an interactive event to promote a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) event at the school on September 27 as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), International Motorsports Association (IMSA), and Michelin Motorsports partnered with two IMSA race drivers to introduce Tucker High students to STEM-related careers, internships, and scholarship opportunities in the racing industry and at the EPA. The event was part of the Green Racing Initiative, which promotes clean and innovative technologies in racing that can then be transferred to consumer vehicles.
The students learned about the fascinating science and technology of racing through a live panel discussion. They explored racing tire technology from Michelin and got an up-close look at one of Paul Miller Racing Team’s IMSA race cars and Georgia Tech’s award-winning hybrid-electric vehicle, which competed in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2022 EcoCAR Mobility Challenge.
Principal Dr. Eric Parker was thrilled that Tucker High School was chosen to host such a fascinating and unique opportunity for students to see and hear about “real world” applications of science and math- especially when driving teams are trying to keep their cars on the track at 200 miles an hour.
“One of our goals this year is to engage students in unique ways and provide opportunities and experiences for curriculum content to be realistic and relevant while exposing them to career and networking opportunities,” Dr. Parker said. “The EPA and our other distinguished guests provided all these opportunities for our Tucker High School students.”