Inspiring the Next Generation in STEM through Motorsports Education

George Town, Grand Cayman – October 21, 2024 – The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) is thrilled to announce the launch of the globally acclaimed F1 in Schools programme in the Cayman Islands. Through this innovative initiative, CMF brings the excitement of Formula 1 racing into the classroom, empowering students with hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Cayman International School, John Grey High School, and Clifton Hunter High School will be the first schools to participate in the program in the Spring of 2025, which gives students the opportunity to design, build, and race their own miniature F1 cars. Before the summer, there will be a national competition between the schools to gain experience as they work their way to the regionals and then to the World Finals held each November. Cayman Customs Automotive proudly joins as the main sponsor, supporting this exciting step forward in STEM education.

The F1 in Schools programme, launched in the UK and now spanning over 60 countries, goes beyond being a competition—it’s a transformative experience that helps students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, project management, and problem-solving. “At the Cayman Motoring Federation, we are committed to promoting motorsports, and this programme offers an exciting and accessible way for students to engage in STEM education,” said Jane Scaletta, President of CMF. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to Cayman’s youth, inspiring them to pursue careers in fields critical to our future.”

The program has already generated excitement among participating schools. Cayman International School’s representative commented, “Our students are eager to engage with this real-world application of their classroom learning. F1 in Schools provides a unique platform to inspire creativity and curiosity, while also preparing them for careers in STEM.”

John Grey High School echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “We see this as a powerful tool for student development. The integration of F1 principles and technology is both innovative and inspiring, and we’re excited to see our students strive to be the best in this competitive environment.”

Clifton Hunter High School also expressed its excitement for the program’s launch. “We are thrilled to participate in F1 in Schools,” said Marcus Patterson who has taken on the role of In-Country-Coordinator for the programme. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore STEM in a hands-on, dynamic way. We believe this program will ignite a passion for innovation and engineering that will serve them well into the future.”

Ross and Jamie Fortune and the entire team at Cayman Customs Automotive are proud sponsors of the Cayman Motoring Federation’s “F1 in Schools Programme”. “F1 in Schools” is an exciting

STEM program where the students will be able to design, engineer and build their own vehicles using cutting edge technology – something we do every day at Cayman Customs Automotive. Our hope is for the “F1 in Schools” programme to foster the skills and interests of young Caymanians on the fast track to STEM success and provide inspiration to pursue careers in design, engineering or mechanics,” said Ross Fortune, Owner at Cayman Customs Automotive. “It’s a great opportunity to invest in the future of our community by helping to shape the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

CMF looks forward to the impact this program will have on students’ career aspirations and skill sets, as well as its potential to bolster the local motorsports community. By collaborating with schools and local sponsors, CMF aims to ensure that the program reaches as many students as possible, inspiring them to consider STEM pathways and future opportunities in motorsports.

For more information on the Cayman Motoring Federation and upcoming events, please contact:

Cayman Motoring Federation Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (345) 123-4567

About Cayman Motoring Federation: The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing motoring and motorsports activities in the Cayman Islands. CMF is committed to promoting safe driving practices and fostering a love for motorsports through educational programs like F1 in Schools.

Photo (L-R:):

Hein Venter/Cayman Customs Automotive

Erik Dijkhuizen/Cayman International School

Ross Fortune/Owner/Cayman Customs Automotive

Jane Scaletta/President/Cayman Motoring Federation

Marcus Patterson/Clifton Hunter High School (In-Country-Coordinator)

Teacher/Clifton Hunter High School

Gairy Small/Cayman Customs Automotive

Not available/John Grey High School (Center of Excellence for the teams)