AVONDALE, Ariz. — Dozens of students from Luke Elementary School in Glendale got the chance to take part in an extra special STEM education field trip at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale.
The experience was filled with all kinds of interactive activities and a visit from an Arizona legend.
“Most excited for looking at the engines, the wheels, how they work,” said Travis Daniels, a sixth grader and member of the STEM team.
His dad Jonathan tagged along for the once in a lifetime field trip.
“Like the most famous words in racing, ‘Gentleman, start your engines,’” he said.
After taking a spin around the racetrack in the bus, the kids were in for another treat – former Arizona Cardinals player Larry Fitzgerald Jr. made a special appearance.
“This is a special place,” Fitzgerald told the students. “Only winners get to stand up here, and you guys are going to get up here in a little bit and get to take pictures here.”
The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation teamed up with Phoenix Raceway to host the ‘Beyond the Finish Line’ STEM education field trip.
“It’s so very important for kids to be able to see things that they necessarily wouldn’t have exposure to,” said Fitzgerald. “It makes them dream bigger... it gives them an opportunity to think they can achieve anything that they want to achieve, and I think we need to continue to open up more doors for them.”
Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey said the experience give students the chance to learn about the science, technology, engineering, and math involved in NASCAR racing at the site of NASCAR Championship Weekend.
"Just that memory that they will always have and hopefully we will create some new NASCAR fans too," Causey said.
It’s a field trip she hopes has a lasting impact.
“I still remember the most impactful ones I had,” said Causey. “One was Junior Achievement… I remember that. I’ll remember that forever."
For more information on Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR Championship Weekend head to their website.
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