On May 23, the International School of Luxembourg will host the national final of STEM Racing™. Team registrations closed a few days ago, and several members of our association have volunteered to sit on the judging panel. Spectators are welcome to attend this competition, whose winners will earn the right to compete in the world final in Singapore in early October. The event begins at 10 a.m., with the highlight being the knockout rounds in the early afternoon.
STEM Racing™ is an international STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition supported by Formula 1, in which students aged 9–19 design, build, and race miniature Formula 1 cars. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, teams create cars powered by compressed air cartridges and race them on a 20-metre track. The competition includes several stages—design, engineering, manufacturing, and even marketing—aimed at simulating the real-world workings of a Formula 1 team. The programme promotes teamwork, innovation, and practical skills, preparing students for careers in engineering, technology, and business.
The country coordinator for STEM Racing™, Bruce Duxbury, speaks passionately about the competition. Interview.
What is the purpose of STEM Racing™?
The purpose of STEM Racing™ is to give students a real-world experience of engineering and innovation. It’s not just about designing the fastest car; it’s about managing a full project: design, testing, branding, sponsorship, and teamwork. It turns classroom skills into something tangible, competitive, and exciting.
More broadly, the goal is to engage students through exciting elements—racing, competition, and teamwork—and then, almost without them realising it, introduce quite advanced skills. They end up applying engineering, design, and project management in a very natural and motivating way.
Who is it intended for?
The national competition is open to students typically aged 11 to 19, but more importantly, it is designed for a wide range of learners. Some are drawn in by engineering, others by graphics, marketing, or leadership. That is one of its strengths: it is not just for “STEM students”, but for anyone who wants to be part of a high-level team project. Students as young as 9 can also get involved through a simpler cardboard-based competition.
Many students join because it looks fun or competitive, and then discover they enjoy areas such as design, branding, or problem-solving along the way.
How did you get involved in the project?
I got involved about five years ago through my role as a Design Technology teacher at the International School of Luxembourg. I immediately saw that it offered something we do not always achieve in schools: genuine ownership and ambition from students. They were choosing to spend extra time on quite complex work because they enjoyed it.
Since then, I have been developing STEM Racing™ in Luxembourg: building participation, supporting teams, organising events, and now leading a re-launch as we transition fully from F1 in Schools to STEM Racing.
Why should students take part in STEM Racing™?
Students should take part because it does not feel like traditional learning. They come for the excitement—racing, competition, being part of a team—and in the process develop high-level skills in design, communication, and problem-solving without it feeling forced. STEM Racing™ builds confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Because it is competitive and engaging, students push themselves much further than they might in a traditional classroom.
They join for the excitement, but stay—and succeed—because of the skills they develop, often without even realising it.
Why attend as a spectator on 23 May?
Because it is genuinely exciting: you see fast racing, strong team identity, and a lot of energy—but also the result of students pushing themselves far beyond expectations. It is a great example of how powerful learning can be when students are truly motivated.
All information: https://www.stemracing.lu/events/2025-26-national-finals-event
