RS Components launches go-kart design competition to promote STEM skills through motorsport

RS Components (RS) today announced its PDC go-kart design competition – an opportunity for students to design the bodywork (livery) of PDC Racing’s new go-kart for the 2021/22 season, and win a STEM day at their school.

The competition is open to children in the UK and Ireland, aged 7–16 years, and challenges them to create an eye-catching design for the go-kart. The kart will be developed and tested by the PDC Juniors teams, aged 9–14 years, who will compete in various championships across the UK throughout 2021/22.

The PDC Racing team, sponsored by RS, was formed in 2016 and competes in the UK and Europe. They currently race seven cars in multiple club and national championships and have laid claim to four national championship titles in the last three years, with over 40 race wins.

Motorsport is an ideal arena to learn and practise STEM skills and knowledge: from the science behind the vehicle design and performance, to the mathematics required to devise the perfect racing line around a circuit.

“We are committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers in addressing the global skills shortage,” said Laura Giddings, STEM Education Manager, Northern Europe at RS. “Karting is the first step on the motorsport ladder for young people and is a fantastic way to acquire and use STEM skills. The chance to learn more about motorsport will be the impetus for some very creative kart design entries.”

“STEM education is one of the team’s main areas of focus, so we’re delighted to be partnering with RS on this design competition for schools,” said Gavin Johnson, Racing Driver/STEM Ambassador, PDC Racing Team. “Our ongoing commitment is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, focused around STEM, where young people can learn, develop skills and build confidence. Today, young people can design a go-kart, tomorrow that could be a Formula 1 car. Anything is possible.”

First prize is a school visit from RS’ mobile innovation centre Titan II and the PDC race team, during which the go-kart bearing the winning design will be unveiled. The winner will also be given a mini merchandise kit and tickets for a race or test day for the go-kart. Four runners-up will have their designs displayed on the RS STEM hub alongside the winning design, and receive a Future Motorsports engineer kit, tickets for a race or test day, and a mini merchandise kit.

Full details of the competition, plus its terms and conditions, are available at: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pdc-go-kart-design-competition. The closing date is Saturday 7 November 2020.