Registration open for Fab Lab’s remote control car competition

Registration is underway for the ninth annual RC Custom Car Open hosted by the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab.

The engineering and design competition welcomes students from kindergarten to eighth grade to participate in teams of 2-4 members to customize a remote control car for design and race competition.

Starting in February, teams can enroll in weekend workshops and receive hands-on support using the Fab Lab’s state-of-the-art machinery to personalize a remote control car. The customization possibilities range from lasercutting car bodies and 3D printing thematic decorations to crafting vinyl-cut decals for team shirts. Weekday and weekend evening sessions are also available.

The program concludes with a design competition on April 5 where teams showcase their car designs to a panel of judges. On April 6, teams return for race day where they must maneuver their cars through two custom-built racetracks. Winners receive cash prizes, scholarships, and custom trophies and medals made at the Fab Lab.

To learn more about the RC Car competition and register, visit suncoastscience.org/rc-car. The registration fee ($175 per team) includes the car and accessories, eight weeks of immersive workshops, and a two-month membership to the Fab Lab for each team member. For questions, email info@suncoastscience.org or call 941-840-4394.

The 2024 RC Custom Car Open is made possible thanks to support from the Deb Kabinoff Fund, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Sunset Automotive Group, and Forza Wealth Management. To get involved as a sponsor and drive the futures of tomorrow’s leaders, visit suncoastscience.org/sponsor.

Submitted by Jenn Sams Scott