The NASCAR Foundation partners with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Sprint and the NASCAR Hall of Fame for motorsports-themed competition
Charlotte, N.C. (Jan. 22, 2015) – The NASCAR Foundation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Sprint this week announced a special competition that will recognize an outstanding area middle school for its exemplary approach toward problem-solving and making real world connections using science and technology.
The NASCAR Foundation’s P.I.T. (Promoting Innovation & Technology) Crew Project℠ was created to inspire learning among middle school students (grades 6-8) in the Charlotte area. Participating schools will compete to build a unique concept or model that illustrates science and technology principles through motorsports applications.
The middle school voted to have created the best concept will have its project considered for display in the NASCAR Hall of Fame this fall, and will receive a large-scale technology renovation for one of its common rooms, courtesy of The NASCAR Foundation and program sponsor Sprint. Additionally, middle school finalists will receive field trips for up to 300 students each to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
“We are thrilled to work with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as we continue our mission to help kids win, both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Lorene King, executive director of
The NASCAR Foundation. “We’ve created a fun way for young minds to learn about innovation and technology, and thanks to Sprint we are able to provide technology resources that will carry this learning into the future.”
“CMS is thrilled to have the support of The NASCAR Foundation and Sprint to spark innovation in the classroom,” said Ann Clark, deputy superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “This partnership creates engaging STEM learning experiences for our students using cutting edge technology.”
CMS schools must submit a letter of intent to participate in the P.I.T. Crew Project℠ by Friday, Feb. 6, and there will be a special information session for teachers hosted at the NASCAR Research & Development Center later that month. The students’ final projects are due March 30 and the winning school will be announced during the 2015 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race festivities in Charlotte in May.
For more information on The NASCAR Foundation’s P.I.T. Crew Project℠, visit NASCARfoundation.org.
The 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular season will kick off with the 57th running of the DAYTONA 500® on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Daytona International Speedway®. The Great American Race® will be broadcast live on FOX, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with additional coverage on NASCAR.com.
About The NASCAR Foundation
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The NASCAR Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR industry and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation is dedicated to helping children learn how to win, both inside and outside of the classroom, through a variety of educational opportunities. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation onwww.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter: @NASCAR_FDN.
About Sprint
Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company dedicated to delivering the best value in wireless. Sprint served 55 million customers as of September 30, 2014 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the last four years. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint andwww.twitter.com/sprint.
About NASCAR Hall of Fame
Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the 150,000-square-foot 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, opened May 11, 2010, and includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio. The venue is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week and has an attached parking garage on Brevard Street. The five-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
