Martinsville Speedway recently opened its media center and track to offer a hands-on STEM experience for fifth-grade students from Patrick Henry Elementary School, opening its media center and track to the young learners on Oct. 23. Students had the unique opportunity to interact with racing professionals, build their own race cars, and compete at Martinsville Speedway’s historic starting line.
“They asked some really good questions; it’s impressive to see how inquisitive they are at this age,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. The event included an interactive question and answer session, where students interviewed Campbell and Niece Motorsports drivers Bayley Currey, Matt Mills, and Matt Gould. Afterward, each student was given materials to construct a rubber band-powered car to race along the track.
Campbell said the Speedway fully sponsored the materials and the setup, giving students room near the starting line to build and test their cars. “Not many of them have the chance to see racing up close,” Campbell said. “It’s great to get them engaged with what goes on out here and give them a sense of the industry.”
Elizabeth Fulcher, the school’s Director of Technology and Education, explained that the event tied closely with the students’ curriculum on force, motion, and energy. “I collaborated with the Speedway to ensure the experience matched our lessons,” Fulcher said. “The timing worked perfectly with the drivers’ schedules, so the students could connect classroom concepts with real-world applications in racing.”
Students, many of whom had never visited the Speedway, asked insightful questions about racing, car mechanics, and what it’s like to compete on the track. Fulcher noted how excited the students were to interact with the drivers and gain a unique perspective on motorsports.
Once the Q&A session concluded, students split into groups to construct their rubber band cars. Fulcher noted that the building process came with some challenges. “Our students are used to building things, but these cars were a bit tricky—some wheels came off, but that only motivated them to learn and problem-solve,” Fulcher said. With the help of their teachers, the groups persevered, making necessary adjustments before heading to the track.
At the starting line, students eagerly raced their creations, observing whose car traveled the fastest and furthest. Some cars lost wheels mid-race, but the students quickly repaired them for another try.
One highlight of the day, Fulcher added, was the bus ride around the track, which thrilled the 56 students in attendance. “They thought it was one of the coolest experiences,” she said. “The Speedway has always been supportive of our schools, providing one-of-a-kind opportunities.”
Fulcher expressed her gratitude for the partnership with the Martinsville Speedway and added that she looks forward to future collaborations that will continue to inspire students through hands-on learning.
