160 Students Race in Remote Control Car Competition in Sarasota

A jungle-themed paradise welcomed over 160 local students and their families to the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab’s seventh annual Remote Control Custom Car Open (RC Car) on April 2, 2022. The RC Car program is designed to drive brighter futures for local youth through experiential learning. Race day was the culminating event for nearly 60 teams of students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The students spent the last two months participating in workshops that taught them how to customize a remote control car that they would eventually race for cash prizes and scholarships.

The race day event included two thematic racetracks: a snake-shaped challenge track with jumps and ramps and an obstacle track that dared students to dodge a crocodile seesaw, jungle temple and swinging foam ax. Participants also entered a design competition where they showed off the enhancements made to their cars using the Fab Lab’s 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, foam cutter and even a vacuum former machine.

Middle school team Code CROC (Parley Hansen, Ty Hansen, Patrick Kennedy and Bryce Frewin) took home the coveted 2022 RC Car Grand Champion title. “Last year, we came in last,” shared the team. “Our new motto is worst to first!” A complete list of race and design competition winners and a photo album can be found HERE.

RC Car was created for students, by students. The 2022 RC Car Executive Committee included 19 passionate high school students who began planning for the event in September 2021. From selecting the jungle theme to leading workshops to designing and building the racetracks and trophies, all aspects of the annual program are managed by the student committee with support from Fab Lab staff and mentors. Through the peer learning model, both the high school volunteers and RC Car participants have a fun and unique opportunity to explore new interests and build technical and life skills like collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking.

The 2022 RC Car program was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Steinwachs Family Foundation, Deb Kabinoff, Ringling College of Art + Design Studio & Digital Arts Program, Bill Wagy Productions, Forza Wealth Management and Troll Music.

About the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab

The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab was founded with the mission to inspire and support tomorrow’s innovators through experiential learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Through its fabrication lab and innovative programs, the Suncoast Science Center encourages people of all ages to explore ideas, build skills and confidence, and become lifelong learners. To learn more, visit Suncoast Science or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Photos courtesy of Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab