About 600 Detroit Public Schools students will visit the Detroit Grand Prix in June.
Before their visit, they’ll spend a few weeks learning about racing-related science and math concepts. They’ll then get a chance to apply those skills at the real racetrack, during events at the Grand Prix.
Grand Prix’s event chairman Bud Denker says this won’t just be a “field trip” for the students.
“Those racecars go pretty fast," Denker told students at Detroit's Emerson Elementary on Tuesday. "They go about 220 miles an hour. And to get that fast you need to have a lot of science, a lot of math, a lot of engineering, and a lot of technology."
“Having our children involved in an event of this magnitude further demonstrates the DPS commitment, as well as that of our community partners, to educate children outside of the classroom," said DPS emergency manager Roy Roberts.
Grand Prix officials say they hope the program can continue beyond this year. The program is meant to inspire kids to pursue engineering and other science-related careers.
The Detroit Grand Prix will return to Belle Isle in early June after a four-year absence.
