Suncoast Science Center revs up for race day

Student teams compete in this year's junkyard-themed RC Car Race Day.

  • By Shane Donglasan
  • | 6:34 p.m. March 11, 2018
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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On March 10, dozens of teams made up of elementary and middle school students competed at Suncoast Science Center’s RC Car Race Day. The racing event was started by students three years ago and continues to be a student-run event. Students designed the cars, race tracks and graphics for the race using tools and machines available at the science center, from laser cutters to 3D printers.  

The e-LEMON-ators, a team made up of Braden River Elementary School students Lauren Wade, Addy Mayo and Abby Geiger, took a month designing and engineering their lemon-shaped car. “Our first car didn’t work so we designed our next car to look like a lemon as a joke,” explained Wade.

The teams competed in a drag race, lap race and a competition for best design.

 

 

Ryan Barker shows off his Thundercat car.
Ryan Barker shows off his Thundercat car.
Chantelle and Desmond Johnson with their children Brighton and Chiyah.
Chantelle and Desmond Johnson with their children Brighton and Chiyah.
Taytum French and Matthew Brown with their mouse-inspired race car.
Taytum French and Matthew Brown with their mouse-inspired race car.
Team Skullslayer Luke Hars and Damarion Abner
Team Skullslayer Luke Hars and Damarion Abner
Luke Hars adds some finishing touches to his team's car.
Luke Hars adds some finishing touches to his team's car.
Team Wreckers Jonah Orchard and Paul Beecher with Team Alley Cat James and Luca Orchard
Team Wreckers Jonah Orchard and Paul Beecher with Team Alley Cat James and Luca Orchard
Suncoast Science Center Executive Director Ping Faulhaber thanks volunteers during the event's opening ceremony.
Suncoast Science Center Executive Director Ping Faulhaber thanks volunteers during the event's opening ceremony.
Lillia Checcone and Gia Vanna strategize right before the drag race.
Lillia Checcone and Gia Vanna strategize right before the drag race.
Raquiel Frazier, Tyson Degree and Schrum of Team Rusty Gold win their first race in the drag competition.
Raquiel Frazier, Tyson Degree and Schrum of Team Rusty Gold win their first race in the drag competition.
Mitch Ruzek provides commentary for the drag race.
Mitch Ruzek provides commentary for the drag race.
Spectators watch one of the first drag races of the event.
Spectators watch one of the first drag races of the event.
The lap track for this year's race. The track was designed by the students.
The lap track for this year's race. The track was designed by the students.
Team Garbage from The Mangrove School celebrate their first place victory in the lap race. Photo courtesy of Kati Burns.
Team Garbage from The Mangrove School celebrate their first place victory in the lap race. Photo courtesy of Kati Burns.

 

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