CMS Uses Motorsports To Spark Students' Interest In Math, Science

One-hundred Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools middle school students will get a hands on lesson in racing at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

It's one of many ways the district is using motorsports to get students interested in math and science.

Students at J.T. Williams Middle School will participate in the LMS event next week. On Wednesday, they got to meet NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne.

Kahne told the students that racing not just about the driver.

"There are engineers building the shocks and engines. There are so many people behind each team, without those people, I would never win races," Kahne said.

Superintendent Peter Gorman said the school system is trying to reach children at an early age.

"We're trying to build a climate and culture of excitement around science and technology," he said.

CMS is also in the early stages of starting a motorsports engineering program at four high schools: Vance, Harding, Phillip O. Berry and Mallard Creek. That program will begin next fall.

Gorman said CMS is also reaching out to students who wouldn't normally gravitate toward engineering and racing, especially minority and female students.

School leaders said they believe this is a unique opportunity for CMS students -- something you likely won't get in other parts of the country.

"When you've got a niche, like we do here where you can fit motorsports right into schools, there's excitement, and also, we have access," said Gorman.