Ninth Graders Showcase Custom-Built Go-Kart
Innovative STEM camp culminates in driving the go-kart during event with Hall of Famer Jerry Cook and his family.
Charlotte, N.C, (July 19, 2024) – The NASCAR Hall of Fame hosted a unique event today with ninth grade campers who spent a week immersed in the world of STEM and motorsports. Earlier in the week and again today, the campers were treated to go-kart building tips and stories from legendary NASCAR Hall of Famer Jerry Cook.
Cook, a six-time NASCAR Modified champion, provided the students with insights into the racing industry, particularly the art and science of go-karting. Cook served as director of the NASCAR Modified Series after he retired from racing in 1982. His extensive experience and passion for mentoring the next generation of engineers and racers added a unique dimension to the camp designed to inspire ninth grade students to explore STEM-related career opportunities in motorsports. The hands-on camp experience fostered engineering design, coding, and problem-based learning.
“Experiential learning for all students is critical to fostering passion for future careers,” said Eliza Russell, NASCAR Hall of Fame Director of Education. “Engaging students in active learning and seeking careers in action from mechanics to engineers to race officials push what could be to what can be for the next generation coming into professional pathways.”
Cook thrives on sharing his passion for the sport he loves – especially with youth. His deep roots in racing provide him plenty of stories to share from behind the wheel and in the front office. The entire Cook family has devoted their lives to racing. When Lauren Jones, his granddaughter and rising senior at Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, N.C., learned of the NASCAR Hall of Fame camps, she encouraged her family to become involved in a way they all could share their love for motorsports with young fans.
The Cooks’ love for family and racing embodies the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s focus on honoring NASCAR’s family-oriented traditions. Today, Cook brought his wife Sue, son David, daughter Kristi Cook Jones, son-in-law Derek Jones, grandson Justin Cook, and granddaughter Lauren to spend time with the campers.
The event allowed the campers to showcase and drive the collaborative go-kart they built during the weeklong camp. The camp experience included visits to the motorsports program at UNC Charlotte, Trackhouse Motorplex, the Legends Car shop, and attending a Legends Car race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Some of the campers received scholarship support from the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation. The foundation works to ensure all students in our communities can experience the educational programming at the Hall of Fame as well as the interactive exhibits and NASCAR history that make the Hall of Fame a top attraction in Charlotte.
“The NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation had the privilege of serving more than 8,000 students with scholarship support last school year.” said Bethany Stowe, Development Manager for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “We are honored to have the ability to support so many students in need and to also be a part of them having experiences like the camp this week. Our education team works diligently to provide these unique ways of learning and incorporating the NASCAR industry into all we do, and the Foundation is proud to be a part of supporting these students.”
NASCAR Hall of Fame provides STEM enrichment for students and school groups through education programs that align with grade-specific curricula in addition to holiday and summer camp experiences.
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About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop. Opened on May 11, 2010, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For more information, visit nascarhall.com.