registration for the 2026 rc car competition opens january 3 at 10am.
Open to Grades K-8 | $230/team of 2-4 students includes:
Remote control car and accessories ($80 value)
8 weeks of hands on workshops ($70 value per team member)
Race day t-shirts for each team member ($15 value per team member)
An unforgettable opportunity to build new skills, explore the Fab Lab and have a blast learning with friends (Priceless!)
The RC Custom Car Open is an engineering and design competition for K-8 students, organized and led by a dedicated high school student committee. Over eight weeks, teams of 2-4 students engage in hands-on learning through weekly workshops and open lab sessions, where they're challenged to design, fabricate, and customize a remote control car.
Each team builds technical skills through exposure to high-tech Fab Lab equipment, including laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 3D printers, fostering creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking along the way. The program culminates in an epic design competition and action-packed two-track race day, with cash and scholarship prizes awarded to the winners.
2026 RC Car KEY DATES
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Registration Opens: Jan 3, 10am
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Orientation: Feb 6, 5:30-6:30pm; Feb 7, 2-3pm; OR Feb 8, 10-11am
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Workshops: Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm, Saturdays & Sundays 8:30-10:30am & 11-1pm; From Feb 13- April 5
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Open Lab Sessions: Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm, Saturdays 4:30-6:30pm, Sundays 1-3pm; From Feb 18-April 9
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Design Competition: Friday, April 10, 4-8pm (Elementary School teams: 4-6pm; Middle School teams: 6-8pm)
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Race Day Event: Saturday, April 11, 10am-2pm
RC Car FAQ
What is included in the $230 registration fee?
The $230 registration includes:
- Entry for 2-4 students into the competition to win cash awards and prizes!
- One remote control car ($80 value)
- Race day t-shirts for each team member
- 8 weeks of hands-on workshops and open lab sessions
- Unlimited fun and learning potential!
How does the competition work?
The program begins with an orientation where teams receive their car and detailed information about the competition. Orientation is also where teams will learn how to sign up for workshops and/or open lab sessions to work on their cars. Volunteers are available to assist teams in bringing their ideas to life using Fab Lab machines and tools! The program culminates in a Design Competition on Friday, April 10 and the two-track race day competition on Saturday, April 11. Points from both the design competition and race are factored in to determine winners in various categories. Race day ends in an awards ceremony where cash awards, scholarships and other prizes are announced! Families and friends are invited to cheer on their teams at the race day extravaganza.You will receive more details on the races and design competition at orientation.
Can I use a Step Up For Students scholarship?
Because RC Car teams register together (2-4 students per team), the per-student cost varies and Step Up for Students scholarships can’t be applied directly through the EMA system. However, we’re happy to provide invoices so families can submit for reimbursement.
Is this a drop-off program?
Workshops are drop-off events, while open lab sessions require at least one parent or guardian to be present. Rest assured, all workshops are supervised by staff members and supported by our fabulous volunteers!
What are the prizes?
The overall RC Car Grand Champion team receives $500. There are 1st-3rd place winners in each division (Elementary & Middle school) for five Design Competition categories as well as two race track categories. These prizes vary from cash, scholarship awards, fun admission tickets and more. 1st-3rd place winners also receive custom-made medals and trophies. There are many opportunities to win a prize, but remember, the best part of RC Car is the memories you'll make and the awesome new skills you'll learn through your time at the Fab Lab.
Do you assign teams?
We do NOT assign teams. You will need to find teammates and register together. Teams require at least 2 members with a maximum of 4 members. All team members must be in grades K-8.
What is the Team Parent/Guardian?
During registration, you'll need to submit a Team Parent. This is the adult who will receive all RC Car communications. Please select someone who is a rockstar at disseminating info to the team!
Does my child need to know how to use machines or have experience with RC cars?
There is NO experience required to participate in RC Car! During RC Car workshops, the team will work closely with our trained volunteers and use the machines and tools to customize their car. During open lab, staff or volunteers may be available to assist.
Do all team members have to be present at every workshop/open lab?
All team members are not required to attend workshops. We understand it can be difficult to coordinate multiple schedules so try your best to come together, but if a teammate can't make it, just remember to share updates with them.At least one team member must be present for the Design Competition on April 10, but the judges appreciate when more than one teammate is in attendance.
All team members ARE required to be in attendance at the April 11 race day event.
How many workshops/open labs can we attend and how do we sign up?
At the RC Car orientation, we will share the information on how to sign up for workshops and open lab time, as well as the total number of workshops/open lab you can sign up for throughout the 8-week period.
Thank you to our generous 2026 sponsors!
RC Car Policies & Expectations
General Policies
Teams will be limited to signing up for a specific number of workshops and open lab sessions over the 8-week program. Teams MUST sign up to attend workshops or open labs; NO walk-ins will be permitted. The process to sign up will be made available at RC Car Orientation.During RC Car, it is common for students to practice driving outside of the lab. Students should never go outside without a volunteer or staff member. All volunteers are made aware of this rule, but please remind your children to find a volunteer to accompany them if they want to test drive their car outside.
Teams will be limited to signing up for a specific number of workshops and open lab sessions over the 8-week program. Teams MUST sign up to attend workshops or open labs; NO walk-ins will be permitted. The process to sign up will be made available at RC Car Orientation.During RC Car, it is common for students to practice driving outside of the lab. Students should never go outside without a volunteer or staff member. All volunteers are made aware of this rule, but please remind your children to find a volunteer to accompany them if they want to test drive their car outside.
Additional race-specific guidelines will be provided at RC Car Orientation.
Student Expectations
For each student to have a positive, safe experience in RC Car, we have established the following expectations:
For each student to have a positive, safe experience in RC Car, we have established the following expectations:
- Walking is our preferred mode of transportation while working in the lab! Please refrain from running.
- No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in classroom or machine areas unless agreed upon with staff or volunteers.
- The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated! Raise your hand to speak, respect others’ personal space, keep hands to yourself, be considerate and helpful, use appropriate language, etc.
- Treat machines and tools respectfully as if they were your own. Misuse will not be tolerated.
- It's okay to be confused or not know how to do something. Just ask for help—we are here to support you!
- There may be other programs running concurrently. Stay with your group at all times.
Three Strikes Policy
To encourage a safe and positive learning environment, we employ the "Three Strikes and You're Out" policy:
To encourage a safe and positive learning environment, we employ the "Three Strikes and You're Out" policy:
- Strike 1 (Reminder): A reminder of expectations will be given to the student.
- Strike 2 (Warning): The student will be removed from RC Car activities for a short period of time.
- Strike 3 (Action): We will contact you to immediately pick up your child from the lab. Depending on severity, future participation may be impacted.
Dress Code
Students should wear comfortable, fitted, casual clothing and CLOSED TOE and CLOSED HEEL shoes. Gym or tennis shoes – NO SANDALS, CROCS, or FLIP FLOPS permitted. Loose clothing and jewelry are not allowed for safety, and long hair must be secured when using machines.
Students should wear comfortable, fitted, casual clothing and CLOSED TOE and CLOSED HEEL shoes. Gym or tennis shoes – NO SANDALS, CROCS, or FLIP FLOPS permitted. Loose clothing and jewelry are not allowed for safety, and long hair must be secured when using machines.
Release Forms
Waiver, Release and Authorization forms are mandatory for your child’s participation. You will be required to acknowledge these forms during RC Car registration.
Waiver, Release and Authorization forms are mandatory for your child’s participation. You will be required to acknowledge these forms during RC Car registration.
Snacks
Feel free to pack a snack for your child to enjoy during workshops or other times in the lab. Snacks may be enjoyed in common areas. No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in machine areas or by computers unless approved by volunteer or staff member. Your child may also bring a water bottle that can be refilled at the lab.
Feel free to pack a snack for your child to enjoy during workshops or other times in the lab. Snacks may be enjoyed in common areas. No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in machine areas or by computers unless approved by volunteer or staff member. Your child may also bring a water bottle that can be refilled at the lab.
Waitlists
You will NOT be charged when adding yourself to the waitlist. Teams on the waitlist will be notified in the order they were added to the waitlist if a spot becomes available. We will notify you as early as possible by phone or email if there is an opportunity to move off the waitlist and include instructions on how to make payment.
You will NOT be charged when adding yourself to the waitlist. Teams on the waitlist will be notified in the order they were added to the waitlist if a spot becomes available. We will notify you as early as possible by phone or email if there is an opportunity to move off the waitlist and include instructions on how to make payment.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
To qualify for a full refund, you must cancel your registration 14 days before RC Car Orientation (by January 23). Cancellations made less than 14 days out from Orientation will qualify for a 50% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% processing fee.Due to the logistics and planning required to put on the RC Car program, refunds after the program has begun (February 6 onwards) are not available. Cancellations must be made in writing to info@suncoastscience.org or by calling 941-840-4394. Cancellations by voicemail will not be accepted.
To qualify for a full refund, you must cancel your registration 14 days before RC Car Orientation (by January 23). Cancellations made less than 14 days out from Orientation will qualify for a 50% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% processing fee.Due to the logistics and planning required to put on the RC Car program, refunds after the program has begun (February 6 onwards) are not available. Cancellations must be made in writing to info@suncoastscience.org or by calling 941-840-4394. Cancellations by voicemail will not be accepted.
MEET THE RC CAR COMMITTEE
Since its inception, the RC Car program has been designed for students, by students. Meet the 2025-2026 RC Car Executive Committee! Click here to learn more about the volunteer committee.
