Endeavor, a collaborative STEM Racing NZ team (Formerly F1 in Schools) from Christchurch and Auckland, is racing in Melbourne at the Australian Nationals, March 20-22. Endeavor comprises of high school students Odette and Ruby from Villa Maria College in Christchurch and brothers Lachie and Fletcher Gillies, from Saint Kentigern College in Auckland.
STEM Racing is an internationally recognised, Formula 1 endorsed competition where students in Year 9 –13 can create miniature cars, similar to real-world F1 cars.
It starts with a block of wood, then we design a model in CAD, 3D print, wind tunnel test, CNC machine before manufacturing to a fully functioning branded STEM car. Students then race these cars down a 20 metre track propelled by nothing but a CO2 canister reaching speeds of 70km – amazing considering their size! Teams also create a world class trade display, exhibiting their car alongside engineering and design portfolios.
Odette, Team Principal, drives the project forward and keeps everyone on track, “We have zoom meetings every Friday to make sure the team is doing everything that they’ve been assigned to do. And then we just chip away at our tasks throughout the week,” she said.
The team will compete at the Australian national finals against 40 other entries, including current world champions, Team Lunar, from Melbourne.
Odette said their goal is to qualify for the STEM world racing finals in Singapore in October. “It will be tough, but I think we’re going to go great. We’ve got a good team, the Endeavor car placed first in Auckland, so I think we have a good chance to do well.”
When asked about the process Odette says, “Although it just looks like a tiny car, it’s technically really challenging to make. I design a concept using SolidWorks CAD, then check it’s viable by 3D printing (with help from our sponsor Priority Auto Electric) and wind tunnel testing before sending the files to the Auckland members to manufacture using CNC milling. We have only had about 3 months for the whole process including portfolios, designing uniforms, pit display booth, industry connections and sponsorship.”
The Endeavor Racing team reached out to the Canterbury University Motorsport group, which designs and manufactures F1-style race cars.
Odette said “We were really grateful for the industry connection and tested 3 versions of the prototype in the University’s wind tunnel to figure how much drag there is and then make a decision on the best car to go ahead with.”
To enter the STEM racing national championships in Auckland last year, Odette had to learn computer-aided design CAD and collaborate on an engineering portfolio, which was required for each entry. Their 2025 team finished third at the national champs. “My aim was to take this knowledge, bring it back to Christchurch and get a development team going in the city,” she said.
Ruby, Endeavor Racing’s business and marketing manager, said they now need sponsorship to achieve their goal in Australia. “We need about $7k for the project and have reached about 80% of the target.”
Ruby said they take the race seriously, but still have fun. “It just gives you a sense of being able to be creative and have a purpose for that creativity, which can also help make industry connections for job opportunities later in life.”
To sponsor the Endeavor Racing team, email endeavor.racingstem@gmail.com
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