Pictured: A submarine sandwich-themed car shows off the team's creativity.

Registration has officially opened for the highly anticipated 9th annual RC Custom Car Open hosted by the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab. This engaging engineering and design competition welcomes students from kindergarten to 8th 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 where they will receive hands-on support using the Fab Lab's state-of-the-art machinery to personalize a remote control car. The customization possibilities are boundless, ranging from laser-cutting car bodies and 3D printing thematic decorations to crafting vinyl-cut decals for team shirts. Weekday and weekend evening sessions are also available to fit various schedules. 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 an action-packed race day where they must maneuver their cars through two custom-built racetracks vying for victory. Winners receive cash prizes, scholarships, and custom trophies and medals made at the Fab Lab. Beyond the tangible rewards, racers will cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all within a safe and collaborative learning environment. Now in its 9th year, this premier RC Car competition is a sought-after community event that sells out every year. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. A registration fee of $175 per team covers the car and accessories, 8 weeks of immersive workshops, and a two-month membership to the Fab Lab for each team member. RC Car is led by a passionate team of high school students. Supported by dedicated mentors and staff, the student committee takes charge of selecting the theme, designing logos, medals, and trophies, conducting workshops, imagining and constructing racetracks, and managing the logistics of race day. This hands-on, real-world learning experience empowers committee members to develop leadership and life skills while fostering a unique peer-to-peer learning environment that forges meaningful relationships among volunteers and racers. To learn more about the RC Car competition and secure your spot, visit https://suncoastscience.org/rc-car. For questions, email info@suncoastscience.org or call 941-840-4394. Check out the recap video from the 2023 event to witness the magic of RC Car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yYxDHeUhkU.  The 2024 RC Custom Car Open is made possible thanks to the generosity of 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 https://suncoastscience.org/sponsor.

Pictured: A submarine sandwich-themed car shows off the team's creativity.