CMF Hosts its First STEM Racing National Finals

CMF Hosts its First STEM Racing National Finals

by | Apr 27, 2026 | Events, News, STEM

Students from five local schools—John Gray High School, Cayman Prep & High School, Layman E. Scott High School (Cayman Brac), Cayman International School, and Grace Christian Academy embarked on an extraordinary journey at the John Gray High School Gymnasium

Cayman Motoring Federation Hosts its First STEM Racing National Finals, Showcasing the Future of Innovation and Talent

George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands has marked a historic milestone in education and innovation with the successful hosting of its first-ever STEM Racing National Finals, delivered by the Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) as the official In-Country Coordinator for STEM Racing Supported by F1.

Over the course of the 2025–2026 season, which began in September 2025, students from five local schools—John Gray High School, Cayman Prep & High School, Layman E. Scott High School (Cayman Brac), Cayman International School, and Grace Christian Academy—embarked on an extraordinary journey combining engineering, branding, project management, and teamwork. The National Finals represented the culmination of months of dedication, creativity, and skill-building.

Held at the John Gray High School Gymnasium, the Finals brought together teams, educators, judges, and supporters to celebrate student achievement in a programme that goes far beyond traditional STEM education. Students designed, manufactured, and raced miniature Formula 1-style cars using industry-relevant tools such as CAD/CAM software, while developing critical life skills including communication, leadership, and strategic thinking.

Teams competed across a range of rigorous judging categories for up to 960 points, including:

  • Engineering & Design – assessing the technical quality and performance of the cars
  • Enterprise & Project Management – evaluating business planning, budgeting, and team organisation
  • Branding & Pit Display – showcasing creativity, identity, and marketing execution
  • Verbal Presentation – testing communication skills and the ability to present under pressure
  • On-Track Performance – where precision, speed, and engineering excellence came to life on the race track

The energy in the venue was electric as teams watched their cars launch down the 20M track, with split-second timing determining success. For many students, this was their first experience in a high-performance, competitive environment—mirroring the excitement and intensity of professional motorsport.

The event was honoured by the presence of Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, and Hon. Rolston Anglin, Minister for Education and Training, both of whom expressed strong support for the programme and its role in shaping the future of Cayman’s youth.

Minister Rankine commended the initiative for its alignment with youth development and national sporting pathways, noting the importance of providing opportunities that inspire discipline, innovation, and ambition.

Minister Anglin highlighted the programme’s impact within schools, emphasizing how STEM Racing is equipping students with real-world skills that extend beyond the classroom and into future careers in engineering, technology, and beyond.

Both Ministers recognized the National Finals as a defining moment for education and youth development in the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Motoring Federation extends its sincere appreciation to STEM Racing USA for its continued guidance and partnership, including the support of Brian Kendzior, Executive Director/Co-Founder, and partner Allison, whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental in delivering the programme to international standards.

The success of the National Finals was also made possible through the generous support of sponsors. Led by Cayman Customs Automotive as the title sponsor, alongside valued partners, CUC, Cayman Airways, Hampton by Hilton, Tony’s Toys, ShorLabs and the Ministry of Education and Training, who continue to invest in youth development, innovation, and the future of motorsport and STEM in the Cayman Islands.

The 2026 National Finals saw outstanding performances across all teams, with students demonstrating remarkable growth and achievement throughout the season.

 Award Winners included:

  • Pit Display Award: Scorch Racing (CPHS)
  • Project Management Award: Scorch Racing (CPHS)
  • Design & Engineering Award: Apex Racers (LSHS)
  • Scrutineering Award: CIS Racing (CIS)
  • Enterprise Award: Apex Racers (LSHS)
  • Verbal Presentation Award: Apex Racers (LSHS)
  • Team Identity Award: Apex Racers (LSHS)
  • Best Engineered Car Award: CIS Racing (CIS)
  • Fastest Car Award: Velocity X (at 1.298 seconds) (JGHS)
  • Best Sportsmanship Award: Apex Racing (LSHS)
  • Chair of Judges Recognition of Achievement Award: Apex Racing (LSHS)

 Overall Results:

  • 3rd Place: Grace Stem Racing (Grace Christian Academy) – 382.0 Points
  • 2nd Place: Scorch Racing (Cayman Prep High School) – 409.5 Points
  • Cayman Islands National Champions 2026: Apex Racers (Layman E. Scott High School) – 542.1 Points

Teams can gain a total of 960 points.

While trophies were awarded, every student who participated in the programme from September 2025 to April 2026 is recognized as a champion. Each team demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a commitment to learning that reflects the very best of the Cayman Islands.

Jane Scaletta, President of the Cayman Motoring Federation and In-Country Coordinator for STEM Racing, stated: “This moment represents far more than a competition—it is the culmination of a vision to bring world-class STEM opportunities to the Cayman Islands. From September last year to today, we have watched students transform into engineers, leaders, and innovators. Their confidence, creativity, and determination have been truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful to STEM Racing USA; our sponsors led by Cayman Customs Automotive; our educators; and our volunteers who made this possible. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to seeing even more students join us next season.”

Following a successful inaugural season, the Cayman Motoring Federation looks forward to building on this momentum, with the next STEM Racing season set to begin in September 2026 through April 2027. The programme continues to expand opportunities for students across the Islands, strengthening pathways into STEM careers, motorsport, and global competition.

This first STEM Racing National Finals is not just an event—it is the beginning of a movement. One that is shaping Cayman’s future engineers, innovators, and leaders whose potential is only just being realized.

Media Contact:
Cayman Motoring Federation
info@caymanmotoringfederation.org

About the Cayman Motoring Federation

The Cayman Motoring Federation is the FIA-recognized National Sporting Authority for motorsport in the Cayman Islands, responsible for governing and developing motorsport while promoting youth education, community engagement and road safety.

CMF Advances STEM, Esports and Youth Karting Plans

CMF Advances STEM, Esports and Youth Karting Plans

by | Mar 11, 2026 | Esports, Karting, News, STEM

CMF Enters New Era with STEM Nationals, Esports Expansion and Youth Karting Plans

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) has announced a series of major initiatives that signal a new chapter for motorsport development in the Cayman Islands following its annual strategic planning retreat held on 1 March 2026.

The Federation confirmed plans for the first-ever STEM Racing Cayman Islands Nationals, the launch of a structured Autocross League, expanded support for the esports racing community, continued road safety initiatives, and the development of youth karting programmes designed to introduce young Caymanians to motorsport at an earlier age.

STEM Racing Cayman Islands

A key milestone will be the first STEM Racing Cayman Islands Nationals Powered by Cayman Customs Automotive, and supporting sponsors the Ministry of Education, CUC, Cayman Airways, Hampton by Hilton, Tony’s Toys, scheduled for 25 April 2026 at the John Gray High School Gymnasium. The event will bring together high school teams from across the Islands competing in the international STEM Racing supported by Formula 1 programme. Students design, engineer, manufacture and race miniature Formula 1-style cars while presenting engineering portfolios, branding concepts and project management strategies to judges. Everyone is invited to come and watch this incredible show of project management, creative design and team building.

Jane Scaletta, President of the Cayman Motoring Federation, said the initiatives represent a transformative moment for motorsport and youth engagement in the Cayman Islands.

“Cayman motorsport is entering an exciting new era. Through programmes like STEM Racing, esports competition, grassroots autocross and future karting development, we are building an ecosystem that introduces young Caymanians to engineering, technology, and safe driving while giving them the opportunity to participate in motorsports at every level,” Scaletta said.

“As the FIA-recognized National Sporting Authority for motorsport in the Cayman Islands, our responsibility is not only to govern the sport but also to inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators and drivers.”

The Federation also confirmed the launch of the CMF Autocross League, the first event is sponsored by Jacques Scott and Heineken 0.0 on 12 April at 1:00PM at the Fosters Airport Overflow Parking Lot, and next two events sponsored by Lucky Rabbit Restaurant, which will provide drivers the opportunity to develop vehicle control and precision driving skills in a safe and structured environment. For more advanced drivers, this series of events provides skill building and precision throughout the year with the outcome being the autocross league champion of the year.

CMF has purchased two karts (one adult and one cadet (ages 8-12) that will be introduced to the autocross events throughout the year.

Ian Charlery at the FIA Motorsport Games (Ian and Karyll)

In parallel, CMF will continue expanding its sim racing and esports initiatives, which have seen strong participation from young Caymanians at community events such as Gamers Bay. With international representation and sim racing esports as a new Olympic sport, we aim to build a pathway from local digital motorsport to international competition with even real-world racing opportunities.

As the CMF is the FIA-recognised National Sporting Authority for the Cayman Islands, we are expanding the use of official FIA-aligned competition licences to support the growth of motorsport locally. Licensing ensures drivers receive proper training and compete under internationally recognised safety and sporting standards. As the disciplines such as esports, autocross, karting and, eventually, drag racing develop further, the CMF licensing pathway will help build a skilled community of Caymanian drivers capable of competing both locally and internationally.

As part of its strategic growth, CMF has also established two new commissions to help guide development in key areas.

Esports Commission

The newly formed Esports Commission will be led by Dr. Ian Charlery, who has been appointed Commissioner.

Dr. Charlery has been a leading advocate for esports development in the Cayman Islands and across the Caribbean. With a background in technology, education and digital competition, he has played an important role in growing simulation racing locally and mentoring young competitors interested in motorsport esports. He represented the Cayman Islands in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain.

He has worked closely with the regional esports community and has supported Cayman athletes preparing for international esports competition and the broader global sim racing ecosystem.

Ian Charlery in rig

Dr. Charlery said:

“I am honoured to serve as Esports Commissioner for the Cayman Motoring Federation. Esports motorsport represents an exciting opportunity to engage young people, develop new talent pathways, and position the Cayman Islands within the rapidly growing global motorsport ecosystem. I look forward to working with the CMF Executive Committee and our partners to build a strong, transparent, and internationally competitive esports program for our country.”

Adis Kevorkian Autocross 2025

Karting Commission

CMF also announced the creation of a Karting Commission, led by newly appointed Commissioner Mr. Adis Kevorkian.

Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kevorkian brings nearly three decades of grassroots motorsport experience. Over the years he has competed in a wide variety of vehicles, including a Toyota Corolla GTS, Mazda 323 GTX, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, Dodge Neon Expresso, classic Mini Cooper S, and Mazda Miata, earning multiple class wins and building a reputation for creative budget builds and fearless driving lines.

A longtime ASCC competitor, Kevorkian is also well known for mentoring younger drivers and encouraging newcomers to enter the sport. Now based in the Cayman Islands, he continues competing locally in his Volkswagen MK7.5 GTI while supporting the growth of grassroots motorsport.

Kevorkian said:

“Karting is the true foundation of motorsport worldwide. It’s where drivers learn race craft, discipline and vehicle control at an early age. I’m excited to help CMF build a grassroots karting programme that gives young Caymanians their first step into motorsport.”

Building the Future of Motorsport in Cayman

In addition to competition programmes, CMF reaffirmed its commitment to road safety initiatives with the FIA Smart Driving Challenge which remains a core pillar of the Federation’s mission.

Through initiatives such as STEM Racing, esports development, autocross competition and future karting programmes, the Cayman Motoring Federation continues to build pathways that connect education, technology and motorsport, while encouraging safe driving and innovation among Cayman’s youth.

For more information visit:
www.caymanmotoringfederation.org

Media Contact:
Cayman Motoring Federation
info@caymanmotoringfederation.org

About the Cayman Motoring Federation

The Cayman Motoring Federation is the FIA-recognized National Sporting Authority for motorsport in the Cayman Islands, responsible for governing and developing motorsport while promoting youth education, community engagement and road safety.

STEM Racing Cayman Awards Celebrate Student Innovation

STEM Racing Cayman Awards Celebrate Student Innovation

by | Dec 19, 2025 | Events, News, STEM

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) proudly hosted the STEM Racing Cayman Islands Regional Awards Ceremony on 15 December 2025 at the Cayman Prep and High School, recognising the exceptional dedication, creativity, and technical skill demonstrated by Caymanian students who competed at the STEM Racing USA Regional Finals.

The 2024–2025 STEM Racing Cayman Islands programme proudly included students from five high schools all competing in Development Level:

  • John Gray High School
  • Layman E. Scott High School
  • Cayman Prep and High School
  • Cayman International School
  • Grace Christian Academy

The ceremony brought together students, teachers, parents, and programme supporters to celebrate months of intensive preparation—spanning engineering design, manufacturing, branding, data analysis, and competitive racing. The event was opened by Cayman Prep & High School Principal, Mr. Karl Murphy, and mc’d by CMF President Jane Scaletta, who welcomed attendees and praised the students’ commitment, teamwork, and professionalism throughout the season. She also thanked Cayman Customs Automotive, the main sponsor of STEM Racing Cayman Islands.

STEM Racing Cayman Islands Regional Winners 2025

STEM Racing CMF President Jane Scaletta

“What makes STEM Racing so powerful is that students are challenged to think like engineers, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes all at once,” said Scaletta. “The level of excellence we saw this year reflects not only talent, but discipline, resilience, and a genuine passion for learning.”

CMF is thrilled to recognise the top-performing teams from the Cayman Islands at the Regional Finals:

  • Regional Champions – Brac Racers, Layman E. Scott High School
  • Second Place – John Gray Blazers, John Gray Racing
  • Third Place – Scorch Racing, Cayman Prep and High School

    But the success didn’t stop there. Cayman teams also earned an impressive range of Special Awards, highlighting excellence across technical, creative, and communication disciplines:

    • Best Verbal Presentation – Brac Racers
    • Sponsorship & Marketing Award – Scorch Racing
    • Team Identity Award – Scorch Racing
    • Video Challenge Winner – John Gray Blazers
    • Fastest Car (1.340 seconds) – Brac Racers
    • Best Engineered Car – Brac Racers
    • Best Designed Car (with Halo) – Cayman International School

    STEM Racing Cayman Islands Regionals 2025 Stage Setup

    About STEM Racing Cayman Islands

    STEM Racing is a globally recognised, project-based learning programme that challenges students to design, manufacture, test, and race miniature Formula 1–style cars, while also developing skills in engineering, entrepreneurship, branding, project management, and public speaking.

    Students compete across three progressive competition classes:

    • Entry Level – Foundational STEM concepts, teamwork, and design principles
    • Development Level – Advanced design analysis, aerodynamics, and enterprise skills
    • Professional Level – High-level engineering, data-driven performance, and professional presentations

    At Regional Finals, teams are evaluated across five core judging categories:

    • Engineering
    • Enterprise
    • Verbal Presentation
    • Racing Performance
    • Scrutineering

    The STEM Racing Cayman Islands programme continues to serve as a cornerstone of CMF’s youth development and education strategy—providing students with real-world experience aligned with careers in engineering, technology, motorsport, design, and business.

    As the evening concluded, one message resonated clearly: the Cayman Islands is cultivating a generation of innovators ready to compete—and succeed—on the global stage.

    The next event will be on 25 April 2026 for the STEM Racing Cayman Islands Nationals which concludes the programme for the year. The programme will start again in September 2026.

    About the Cayman Motoring Federation
    The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) is the FIA-recognised National Sporting Authority for motorsport in the Cayman Islands. CMF is committed to developing safe, inclusive, and sustainable motorsport while using motorsport as a platform for education, youth engagement, and community impact.

    For more information about the Cayman Motoring Federation or partnership opportunities, please contact:

    Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF)
    PO Box 1521, Grand Cayman KY1-9006
    Email: info@caymanmotoring.com
    Phone: 1-345-916-6599

    STEM Racing Reaches Cayman Brac

    STEM Racing Reaches Cayman Brac

    by | Nov 13, 2025 | News, STEM

    Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands

    The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) Executive Committee members, Jane Scaletta/President, Dr. Anthia Richards/Secretary, and Dail Davis/Director, proudly delivered the state-of-the-art Denford CNC MCR 100 machine and Roll Out Track to Layman E. Scott Sr. High School in Cayman Brac today, marking a historic milestone for STEM education and motorsport development in the Sister Islands.

    This installation represents a transformative moment for Cayman Brac—providing students with access to world-class technology and hands-on engineering experience through the STEM Racing programme. With these tools, students can now design, machine, test, and race their own miniature F1 model cars using Autodesk Fusion and the same engineering processes used by real motorsport teams around the world.

    A Major Step Forward for Cayman Brac and the Cayman Islands – For the first time, students on Cayman Brac will participate fully in the national STEM Racing programme, joining their peers across the Cayman Islands in one of the most innovative STEM initiatives in the region. This advancement not only supports academic enrichment but also sparks future career pathways in engineering, design, technology, and motorsport.

    CMF extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors and supporters who have helped bring this vision to life:

    • Cayman Customs Automotive — whose belief in the programme from its inception and continued sponsorship has driven its growth and success.
    • Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) — whose support ensures students have access to the essential materials and resources needed to compete at an international standard.
    • The Ministry of Education — whose commitment to STEM and youth development has made it possible to introduce advanced engineering tools into Cayman’s secondary schools.
    • Cayman Airways – dedicated to helping CMF deliver STEM Racing equipment and consumables to Cayman Brac.

    Their shared dedication has empowered Caymanian students to explore engineering, problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork through the STEM Racing programme.