CHICAGO (WLS) — A group of Chicago-based students showed off their most recent achievement in the world of STEM Racing.
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Organizers said it’s the world’s largest school-based engineering competition.
On Saturday, McLaren Chicago hosted a celebration for the high schoolers who were just crowned the 2025 National Champions.
Students from University of Chicago Laboratory Schools have developed and engineered model Formula 1 cars. Their designs are competing with teams from around the globe.
“We emerged as national champions, and we’re heading to Singapore this September, representing Team USA alongside two other teams. We are thrilled,” stated Taara Sajdeh of AEROS Racing.
The AEROS Racing team is not only responsible for the design of their car but also raising money and building support like a real F1 team.
Maya Livni with AEROS Racing explained there are two sides of the project.
“There’s the aspect of constructing the car… That’s a significant process focused on maximizing its aerodynamics,” Livni explained. “The tiniest modifications have the most significant impact. Then there’s the enterprise aspect, involving marketing, sponsorships, and gaining fans.”
Through the process of the competition the students take with them real-world experience in a variety of disciplines.
“I’m learning basic you know, engineering skills along with advanced engineering skills,” Aran Malhotra with AEROS Racing said. “I’m learning how to manufacture, how to use different machines, how to do virtual simulations you know, all of the above.”
Last year AEROS Racing competed in Saudi Arabia at the world finals.
The team has already secured its spot for this year’s World Finals in Singapore in September.
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