Who is Ad Astra and what are your individual roles?
Ad Astra is a STEM Racing team from Brighton Grammar School (BGS) in Melbourne, consisting of eight enthusiastic Year 9 and 10 students representing Australia at the 2025 STEM Racing World Finals in Singapore. We placed 4th at the 2025 Australian National Finals and are focused on excelling in this international competition by designing, manufacturing, and racing a miniature F1-style car while managing all aspects of a professional racing team.
Our team operates like a real Formula 1 team, with each member taking on specific roles to ensure success. Our roles include: Team Manager, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Graphic Designer, Resource Manager and Marketing Manager.
What is STEM Racing?
Officially endorsed by Formula 1, STEM Racing (formerly known as F1 in Schools) is the world’s leading global multi-disciplinary STEM competition for students aged 9 to 19. Teams of three to six students collaborate to design, analyze, manufacture, test, and race miniature compressed air-powered F1 cars made from a model block, using CAD/CAM software and precision tools. The challenge mirrors real-world Formula 1 operations, incorporating elements like project management, marketing, sustainability, and presentations, with competitions held at regional, national, and world levels. The STEM Racing World Finals is set to take place in Singapore from 27 September to 2 October 2025, running alongside the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025.
What initially sparked your interest to particate in STEM Racing?
Our interest in STEM Racing was sparked by a passion for engineering, motorsport, and hands-on problem-solving, combined with the opportunity to apply classroom STEM knowledge to a real-world challenge.
“The opportunity to apply classroom STEM knowledge to a real-world challenge.”
At Brighton Grammar School, the program’s emphasis on innovation and competition drew us in, as it allows us to represent our school and Australia on an international stage while building practical skills. The excitement of racing miniature F1 cars and collaborating as a team, much like professional Formula 1 operations, made participation irresistible.
Walk us through the design and production process for developing your car.
The overall timeline spans about 6-9 months, from concept post-state finals through nationals in May 2025, to final tweaks before the World Finals in September. The design and production process for our miniature F1 car follows a structured approach, similar to professional engineering workflows:
Research and Brainstorming (1 – 2 months)
We start by researching aerodynamics, materials, and competition rules, brainstorming ideas, and sketching concepts. This phase began early in 2025 after qualifying from state finals.
CAD Modelling (1 – 2 months)
Using 3D CAD software, we create detailed models, focusing on speed, weight, and compliance. We incorporate analysis tools like CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to optimize performance.
Analysis and Iteration (1 month)
Simulate the car’s behaviour, test virtual prototypes, and refine designs based on data.
Manufacturing (1 – 2 months)
Produce the car using precision methods like CNC machining, 3D printing, and hand-finishing, sourcing materials through sponsors.
Testing and Finalization (1 month)
Assemble, test on a track for speed and stability, make adjustments, and prepare backups.
How do your teachers and mentors guide and support your design process?
Our teachers and mentors at Brighton Grammar School provide essential guidance by offering expertise in STEM subjects, access to school facilities like CAD software and manufacturing tools, and advice on project management and rule compliance. They facilitate workshops, review designs, and help troubleshoot issues, ensuring we apply classroom knowledge effectively. We start from scratch each competition cycle to encourage innovation, though we draw inspiration from past teams’ successes (like BGS’s previous national wins) without directly copying models.
What are some of your key considerations when designing and manufacturing your trade display?
The trade display (or pit display) is designed to showcase our team’s identity, car, processes, and branding in a visually engaging way. The process starts with brainstorming themes aligned with our “Ad Astra” (to the stars) motif, then sketching layouts using graphic design software. Key considerations include: boldness in visuals (colors, graphics, lighting), interactivity (e.g., displays or models), informativeness (posters on design and sustainability), space efficiency (fitting competition specs), and brand consistency to stand out to judges and visitors.
“Manufacturing involves CNC machining the base from wood or foam.”
Manufacturing involves CNC machining the base from wood or foam, 3D printing custom elements, printing high-quality graphics, and assembling with lighting or digital screens, often with sponsor support for materials.
How is building partnerships with local businesses helping Ad Astra?
Building partnerships with local and international businesses, such as Tommotek, provides crucial funding, materials, expertise, and mentorship. These sponsorships cover costs for tools, travel to Singapore, and production, allowing us to focus on innovation. In return, we offer branding exposure on our car, uniforms, display, and social media, plus global visibility at the World Finals. This not only helps financially but also teaches us networking and real-world business skills, enhancing our overall campaign.
What lessons or skills do you hope to learn and take away from this event?
We hope to gain advanced engineering skills like CAD proficiency and data analysis, alongside lifelong lessons in resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving from iterations and challenges. Additionally, we aim to strengthen teamwork, leadership, and communication through presentations and collaborations, while learning about sustainability and global networking. Overall, the experience will prepare us for future STEM careers and inspire a passion for innovation.
Tommotek is a proud sponsor of Ad Astra at the 2025 STEM Racing World Finals.
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