Driving STEM Education via Motorsports a Closer Look at Donk Racing – A Work in Process Paper

This work-in-progress research paper describes a community-based study to better understand the attraction of underrepresented minorities to an unconventional motorsport, Donk racing, as a pathway to STEM discovery. This study seeks to detect an unconscious attraction to STEM in African American youth that enjoy motorsports, especially automobile and motorcycle racing. Uncovering the attraction to STEM early in the educational process yields an opportunity to address the missing connections leading to career choices that provide greater social mobility and meet a national need. A research team has been working passionately on a groundbreaking study centered around the intriguing intersection of motorsports and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This mixed method study seeks to understand the connection between academic preferences and career choices through the lens of motorsports enthusiasts.