What is STEM Racing?
STEM Racing is an international engineering competition where students design and build their own F1-inspired racing teams. The competition is primarily centered around the car, which is a miniature, CO2-powered vehicle launched at speeds over 60km/h. Students independently design, test, manufacture, and build their cars while following a strict set of rules. Students push the limits of how far they can innovate within the boundaries set. Once the cars have been manufactured, they are raced in Regional, National, and International competitions.
Requirements
During competitions, teams try to earn as many points as possible through multiple categories. They are:
- Scrutineering – The team’s cars are scrutineered to see how well they fit the provided guidelines
- Design and Engineering Portfolio – Teams must explain their design process and reasoning behind design and manufacturing decisions.
- Enterprise Portfolio – Teams must explain the scale and scope of their project, the responsibilities of every main team member, the budgeting and expenses, and their sponsorship and marketing strategy.
- Verbal Presentations – Teams must present the work they have done with enthusiasm and describe the skills that they have gained from their experiences working on and with their team.
- Brand Identity – Teams are judged on their pit display, and team identity, including uniforms, colour scheme, and logos
- Racing – Two races are held, a timed race (launched by a STEM Racing staff) and a reaction race (launched by a student), where points are awarded based on placement
National Competition
The Canadian National Championship will be held in North Bay, Ontario, from April 10-12, 2026. There will be teams from across Canada competing for three spots in the World Championships, held in Singapore in 2026. The three day event will be livestreamed on the STEM Racing Canada YouTube Channel and will be open in-person for spectators. At the end of the three days, awards will be given out, and the three advancing teams will be announced.
