Motorsport Australia Unveils Exciting New Initiative: GOAL!

Motorsport Australia is thrilled to announce the launch of Motorsport Australia GOAL!, an innovative STEM education initiative aimed at bringing the thrill of motorsport into classrooms across the nation.

In collaboration with The Huddle, Motorsport Australia GOAL! presents six interactive lesson plans that utilise motorsport as a medium to teach essential STEM concepts to students in Years 5-8.

Since its introduction to schools in mid-2024, the program has been embraced by 106 schools, with 165 educators accessing the resources, positively impacting over 4,600 students throughout the country.

Sunil Vohra, CEO of Motorsport Australia, emphasised that the launch of GOAL! is a major step towards making motorsport accessible to a younger audience in Australia.

“Motorsport Australia GOAL! is not solely about racing—it’s about motivating the next generation of engineers, strategists, and problem solvers,” Vohra remarked.

“By integrating motorsport into educational settings, we’re offering students practical learning experiences that enhance engagement and relevance in STEM education.

“Motorsport paves the way for rewarding career paths, and Motorsport Australia GOAL! is an initial step towards STEM opportunities that equip students with essential skills for careers in engineering, data analysis, aerodynamics, and racing strategy.”

The program includes engaging lessons such as ‘Chance of Victory’, which helps students grasp probability and team management as they allocate a budget for a racing crew, and ‘Protecting Eggbert’, where safety principles are taught by designing and testing helmets with insights from real-life racing drivers like Bayley Hall, a Porsche Carrera Cup competitor.

“The early feedback has been overwhelming, with over 4,600 students already participating in Motorsport Australia GOAL! in classrooms nationwide. Now that we’ve officially launched, we’re eager to connect with more schools and demonstrate that motorsport encompasses far more than just racing—it’s also about science, strategy, and collaboration,” stated Charlie Barlow, Development Manager at Motorsport Australia.

“Motorsport Australia GOAL! aligns with the Australian Curriculum, ensuring that teachers have an engaging and accessible resource that supports student learning while introducing them to the world of motorsport, often in a way they haven’t explored before.

“We look forward to seeing this program flourish and inspire the next generation of students across Australia.”

Motorsport Australia GOAL! is structured around the Australian Curriculum, making it a straightforward resource for educators. Notably, this initiative aims not to supplant existing motorsport STEM programs but to introduce students to motorsport-related learning that may lead to involvement in initiatives such as FIA Girls on Track.

“At The Huddle, we’re committed to leveraging sport to create valuable educational experiences for young Australians. Our collaboration with Motorsport Australia on GOAL! exemplifies how sport can effectively facilitate learning, particularly in STEM disciplines,” remarked Cameron McLeod, CEO of The Huddle.

“Motorsport Australia GOAL! has been designed to provide students with an interactive and captivating way to learn STEM through the realm of motorsport.

“Real-world application enhances student retention of knowledge, making this program an exciting avenue to introduce fundamental concepts such as engineering, probability, and design in an engaging manner.”

“GOAL! is an incredible opportunity to introduce students to diverse career paths within motorsport beyond just driving,” said Aiva Anagnostiadis, a Professional Racing Driver who was a guest speaker at the launch event.

“STEM is pivotal in racing, covering areas from aerodynamics to race strategy, and this program helps students recognise how these skills are applicable in real-world situations.

“For those keen to further their learning, GOAL! can serve as a stepping stone to initiatives like F1 in Schools, where students can put their engineering and problem-solving abilities to the test competitively.”

During the launch event, Todd Hazelwood, the 2024 Bathurst 1000 Winner, underscored the program’s significance in opening doors for increased participation in motorsport, particularly among young women.

“Motorsport transcends driving—it encompasses science, technology, engineering, and teamwork. Initiatives like GOAL! demonstrate to students that they can pursue a future in motorsport, whether as a driver, engineer, or strategist,” Hazelwood stated.

With the official launch complete, Motorsport Australia aims to broaden the program to 500 schools across the nation, ensuring even more students have the chance to engage with motorsport in a significant way.