Koru Racing Wins Fastest Car At STEM Racing Australia National Finals
STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools) is a global engineering competition where students design, manufacture, and race miniature F1 cars. Made from balsa wood and 3D printed components, the cars are powered by CO2 gas canisters and race down a 20m track. The competition – officially supported by Formula 1 – has over 1.2 million students competing annually, and incorporates high-level engineering, manufacturing, sponsorship, and teamwork.
The team first competed in the NZ school competition at Saint Kentigern College. Koru Racing won this event, having the fastest car, best trade display, and portfolios. Because of their performance, Koru Racing was offered to compete at the 2025 STEM Racing Australia National Finals. On the first day, the team set a lap time which would remain unbeaten throughout the rest of the competition – even outperforming top Australian teams which have had podium placement at the 2024 World Finals in Saudi Arabia. Koru Racing won a trophy for the fastest car – a fantastic achievement given they had significantly less financial resources, industry support, and sponsorship, compared to their more experienced Australian counterparts, who have been competing since 2003.
Koru Racing's performance at the STEM Racing Australia National Finals caught the attention of teachers, judges, and event organisers, and Koru Racing has been offered the opportunity to be the first team to represent New Zealand at the STEM Racing Singapore World Finals set for September. Attending the World Finals would allow Koru Racing to showcase their ability against 65 teams from other countries, put New Zealand innovation on the map, and provide exposure to sponsors supporting the initiative. As well as this, the team can network with experienced professionals across a range of industries, and bring home valuable knowledge and experience to mentor other kiwi teams.
To compete and represent New Zealand at this level, Koru Racing need sponsorship. If you're interested in supporting Koru Racing personally, please visit the Koru Racing Givealittle: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/koru-racing
If you're interested in supporting Koru Racing as a business, please email reilly@koruracing.nz for more information.
Reilly Turner (Team Principle and Graphic Designer):
'Australia has competed in STEM Racing for 22 years now with ongoing sponsorship and development, so for a New Zealand team to have the fastest car is really exciting.'
'It was a great experience, and we're really proud to bring the fastest car trophy to New Zealand."
Lucas Alward (Design Engineer):
' It's quite an encouraging accomplishment, to be able to say that our little team from New Zealand went on to create the fastest car raced at Australia. I think it all comes down to research, testing, and development, and a process of continual refinement.'
'I'm very proud of what we've managed to achieve so far. We've shown the world that us Kiwis are serious competition, and we can prove ourselves on the international stage.'
Aydan Hawken (Manufacturing Engineer):
'I believe our success is a testament to the countless hours our team have put in. Seeing that performance on the track makes it all worth it.'
'It's really a huge honour to win the fastest car award and bring it back to New Zealand . We really hope we made everyone back home proud.'
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