Young Innovators Shine: 180 Students Compete in Sarasota’s RC Custom Car Engineering Challenge
Creativity, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology were on full display as nearly 180 elementary and middle school students took part in the 11th Annual RC Custom Car Open, hosted by the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab. Held April 11, the high-energy community event brought together young innovators from across Sarasota and Manatee counties for a hands-on engineering competition unlike any other.
From Concept to Competition
Over the course of eight weeks, 68 student teams transformed ideas into fully functional remote-control cars. Guided by trained teen mentors, participants used advanced makerspace tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters, to design and customize their vehicles.
The program’s near-peer mentoring model continues to stand out. High school volunteers not only help younger students tackle real-world design challenges, they also gain valuable leadership and problem-solving experience, creating a strong cycle of learning and mentorship. That momentum builds naturally on earlier Fab Lab success stories, including last year’s RC custom car challenge.
A Creative Twist: Four Seasons Theme
This year’s competition revolved around the imaginative theme “Four Seasons,” pushing students to incorporate seasonal elements into both design and performance. During the design competition, teams were judged on craftsmanship, creativity, teamwork, and how well they brought their seasonal concepts to life.
Categories included:
- Meadow Master (Spring)
- Lemonade Legend (Summer)
- Harvest Hero (Fall)
- Chilly Champion (Winter)
From springtime landscapes to winter-inspired racetracks, the creativity on display showed just how far these young engineers can go when given the right tools and support.
Race Day Excitement at the Fab Lab
After design judging, the action shifted to race day at the Fab Lab. Students competed in high-speed drag races, technical obstacle-course challenges, and a thrilling Grand Champion showdown.
The event also doubled as a family-friendly festival, complete with carnival games, food trucks, and interactive activities, making it a true community celebration of STEM education.
- 180 student participants from more than 23 local schools
- More than 1,000 volunteer hours from teen mentors
- Two custom-built racetracks themed around the seasons
- Scholarships and cash awards recognizing innovation and teamwork
Grand Champion Spotlight
This year’s top honor went to middle school team Aqua Speed, made up of Matvei P, Tikhon K, Lev K, and Prokhor I. The team impressed judges with both engineering performance and creative design, while also earning a second-place finish in the design category.
“RC Car is a powerful example of what happens when students are given tools, mentorship, and space to explore their ideas,” said Ping Faulhaber, Executive Director of the Fab Lab. “Students aren’t just learning technical skills, they’re building confidence, creativity, and connections with mentors who were in their shoes just a few years ago.”
Powered by Students and Community Support
One of the most remarkable aspects of the event is that it is largely student-run. High school members of the Fab Lab’s RC Car Executive Committee take the lead in planning the competition, designing racetracks, teaching workshops, and ensuring accessibility for families throughout the region.
The 2026 RC Custom Car Open was made possible through the support of community partners, including the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Jarrett Family Fund, Steinwachs Family Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Sarasota Art Museum & Ringling College of Art + Design, Sunset Automotive Group, Bill Wagy Productions, Forza Wealth Management, and Publix Super Markets Charities, along with in-kind sponsors Sodi and Donato’s Pizza.
The wider Fab Lab mission keeps growing, from student leadership recognition like the $10,000 scholarship earned by a Sarasota student leader to newer opportunities such as the 2026 summer STEAM camps and high school trade workshops.
Learn More
For a full list of winners and event photos, visit the RC Car event page.
To explore additional programs and opportunities at the Fab Lab, visit Suncoast Science Center.
About the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab
The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators through hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Through its state-of-the-art fabrication lab and community programs, the organization empowers learners of all ages to explore, create, and build skills for the future.
Photos from Suncoast Science Center.