Fueling the Future: How the IMSA STEM Program is Engineering the Next Generation of Racers
There is a specific energy in a race paddock that you simply can’t replicate in a textbook. It’s the smell of high-octane fuel, the hum of impact wrenches, and the sheer complexity of a hybrid prototype idling in the garage. For years, the racing industry has looked for ways to bridge the gap between the thrill of the track and the fundamentals of the classroom.
Throughout the 2025 season, the IMSA STEM curriculum did exactly that, turning race weekends into open-air laboratories for thousands of students across North America. Partnering with Gainbridge, Konica Minolta, and education innovator EVERFI, IMSA didn’t just hang a banner and call it a day.
They integrated real-world Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into the fabric of the race season. Now, with a successful rookie year in the rearview mirror, the series is looking at the telemetry, analyzing the data, and setting a robust schedule for 2026.
The Reality of IMSA STEM Education
The numbers coming out of the 2025 program tell a compelling story about engagement. While racing is often viewed purely as entertainment, the underlying mechanics are pure science. The initiative reached more than 14,000 students across 420 schools and engaged nearly 500 teachers. Most of this was achieved through digital resources provided at no cost to the districts, a critical move given the budget constraints many tech programs face.
But the real magic happened when the students traded their desks for the pit lane. During six race weekends, 180 students got behind the velvet ropes. These weren’t just tours; they were deep dives. At the “Roar Before the Rolex 24” at Daytona International Speedway, students from Spruce Creek and Atlantic High Schools were thrown right into the mix.
They rotated through stations that would make any gearhead jealous. They visited the Michelin Tire Center to understand the physics of grip, friction, and heat cycles. They stepped into the IMSA Engineering Center to see how data science dictates race strategy. They even got up close with the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R to see how hybrid electrification is changing the sport.
Measuring the Impact on Future Engineers
The goal of the IMSA STEM initiative isn’t just to make new race fans; it’s to build a workforce. The racing industry is desperate for young talent who understand data acquisition, material science, and mechanical engineering. According to pre- and post-course surveys, the program is moving the needle.
After completing the “Building & Moving” and “Engineering Careers Within Auto Racing” modules, student knowledge regarding engineering careers jumped by 65 percentage points. More telling is the shift in aspiration. Before the program, many students didn’t know these jobs existed.
After the curriculum, 93 percent identified potential career paths they hadn’t previously considered. Nearly half of the participants, 49 percent, expressed genuine interest in pursuing a career in auto racing. That is a massive pipeline of potential talent for teams that are constantly hunting for the next great engineer or strategist.
A teacher from Purdue Polytech High School, who attended the event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, noted the difference it made to see the concepts applied in real-time. “It has been such a breath of fresh air to see students see why the classes that they’re taking in STEM especially matter in the real world,” they said.
John Doonan’s Commitment to Education
For IMSA President John Doonan, this isn’t just a corporate social responsibility box to check. It’s personal. Doonan has long been an advocate for education in the paddock, recognizing that the sport’s longevity depends on bright minds pushing technology forward.
“I’m so proud that we could kick this off this year,” Doonan said, reflecting on the launch at Daytona. “It’s something that I think is incredibly important for the entire sport. I have a personal interest and fascination with it, simply because I have had an experience and been able to do this previously in IMSA.”
The Complete IMSA STEM 2026 Schedule
Momentum is everything in racing, and the program is keeping its foot on the gas for 2026. The curriculum will return to six key venues, strategically placed to catch students during the academic year. The schedule features a mix of historic road courses and tight street circuits, offering students a look at the different engineering challenges teams face week to week.
- Daytona International Speedway – January 16
- Long Beach Street Circuit – April 17
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca – May 1
- Detroit Street Circuit – May 29
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway – September 18
- Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – October 1
As the series heads into 2026, the connection between the classroom and the race track has never been stronger. By showing students that a love of math and science can lead to a career in the fast lane, IMSA ensures the next generation of racing talent is already on the grid.
