Competition
In this STEM challenge, students explore how engineering decisions shape safe, sustainable infrastructure and support communities.
Secondary
Roads and transport infrastructure play a vital role in safety, sustainability and community life. In this design challenge, students explore how engineering decisions can improve people’s lives – at scale.
Students are challenged to answer one key question: What would the safest, fastest and most sustainable racetrack look like – and how could it benefit a community all year round?
The challenge runs from 5 January to 4 September 2026 and is open to teams of students aged 13–17.
Working in teams of up to 8, students take on professional roles to design a sustainable racetrack. Along the way, they will:
- Apply science, technology, engineering and maths to a real‑world design problem
- Learn how land use, data and geospatial surveying influence infrastructure projects
- Explore sustainability, net zero principles and material choices
- Develop teamwork, problem‑solving and communication skills
- Use the same design software and approaches as industry professionals
The challenge
Student teams will be supported by experts from Ridge and Partners and Driven International, gaining insight into careers in architecture, engineering, surveying and construction.
Teams are challenged to:
- Balance speed, safety, sustainability and social impact
- Design pit buildings, podium and spectator terraces using modular, net zero principles
- Consider inclusivity, biodiversity and environmental responsibility
- Justify design decisions using STEM knowledge and skills, research and evidence
- Use cutting edge Bentley design software, just like professionals working in the built environment
How to take part
Register your school for free and form a team of up to 8 students aged 13–17. Teachers support teams as they work through the design brief at their own pace between January and September. Students access guidance, industry insight and professional design tools, before submitting their final designs by the deadline.
Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges
Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
What the teachers sayLog in to write a testimonialWe would love to read all about your time with this experience!
Secondary
Design and build a chariot to attach to the Sphero and carry a Lego figure around our race track!
Secondary
A year-long programme that empowers students to build their own racing kart, discover the STEM theory behind it, and race it in the Grand Finals against other competing schools. Easy to implement into a Science/STEM club or enrichment lesson with step by step guidance and a true legacy impact.
Secondary
Students design, build, and race remote control cars, gaining hands-on STEM experience and motorsport career insights.
