This year, I’m joining STEM Racing—a global competition where students design, build, and race miniature CO₂ -powered cars. But it’s not just about building a fast car, it’s a complete engineering and business challenge. Teams are judged on everything from design and manufacturing to marketing, project management, and teamwork.

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Why STEM Racing Appeals to Me

Let’s start with why I joined. For me, this is the ultimate mix of everything I love:

• Engineering: We’re applying physics, aerodynamics, and materials science to a real-world project. There’s CAD design, wind tunnel testing, and endless tweaking to reach the best design. A lot to learn. In 2022 I tried to learn CAD modelling but did not have some place to apply my skills, causing me to give up, this is a great opportunity for me to learn new skills.
• It’s not enough to have a fast car. We need branding, a sponsorship plan, and a full-on pitch to judges.
• Knowing that teams from around the world are competing just pushes me to work harder. The idea of making it to Regional Finals, or even World Finals—is a massive motivator.

This competition feels real. It’s not a classroom exercise, it’s an engineering challenge that demands creativity, precision, and hustle.

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The Name Change

STEM Racing used to be called F1 in Schools, and I think that name is much more recognizable. The Formula 1 connection made it feel prestigious and exciting, even for students who weren’t hardcore racing fans.

Now it’s just… STEM Racing.

I get that they want to highlight the educational side more. But STEM Racing feels generic and bland in comparison. I can’t help thinking they’re missing a trick by changing that name.

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The Rules. A bit too tight?

The technical regulations are tight.

And while rules are essential (for fairness and safety), some of them feel overly restrictive. For example:

• The car must fit perfectly into a specific sizing box.
• A “no-go-zone”.
• Material limits.
• Every tiny detail is controlled, down to millimeters.

It takes the fun out of experimenting and pushing boundaries. Isn’t engineering all about innovation? Right now, it feels more like ticking boxes to comply, rather than creating original designs.

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Money and Pay-to-Win

This competition is expensive.

Between:

• Car materials and manufacturing,
• CAD software and testing,
• Hardware for CFD analysis,
• Pit displays and presentation materials,

And while we’re working hard to get sponsors, it’s obvious that teams with more funding have a huge advantage.

That makes me wonder: are we really rewarding the best ideas and skills, or just the best-funded teams?

STEM Racing feels a bit like a pay-to-win competition

To be competitive at the top level, it’s not just about skill and hard work, it’s about resources.

The best-performing teams run multiple rounds of CFD simulations, wind tunnel tests, and extensive prototyping, all of which cost real money. With more money they also get access to better materials (for wings and stuff).

Outsourcing design

And here’s something else: even though the rules clearly say students must design and build their cars themselves, we all know there are ways around that.

Some well-funded teams quietly outsource parts of the process, whether it’s hiring professionals to assist with CAD design, having external engineers “advise” (do a lot of the heavy lifting), or getting display materials built by companies rather than the team. It’s technically against the spirit (and often the letter) of the rules, but it’s hard to police.

This creates an even bigger gap between teams. There are students who are genuinely learning everything themselves, and then others who have quiet behind-the-scenes help that gives them a polished and profession product.

Sometimes it feels discouraging. It’s like being in a race where some cars secretly have a turbo button you’re not allowed to use.

May be STEM Racing can organize some skill-based competitions focusing on specific aspects of engineering, allowing teams to showcase abilities regardless of resources.

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Despite the criticisms, I’m excited to compete. This is a unique chance to learn, grow, and push myself in ways school doesn’t normally offer. And even if I think STEM Racing has room to improve, that’s part of what makes it interesting. Competitions should evolve.

If you are interested, our team’s name is Arion. Visit our website at teamarion.org.

As I progress in the competition you can expect updates.