AHN Students Attend the St. Petersburg Grand Prix

On February 27, 55 AHN high school students from Engineering classes and Robotics teams attended the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, the opening race of the IndyCar season.

Often considered the American counterpart to Formula 1, IndyCar brings together elite drivers and highly specialized teams. By attending a practice day, AHN students were able to experience the sport from a technical perspective. Without the intensity of race conditions, teams were more approachable, allowing students to observe testing sessions, simulations, inspections, and strategy adjustments up close.

The parallels to AHN’s competitive robotics program were immediate.

Each robotics season begins with a new set of regulations. Teams must design and build their robot within strict size, power, and material specifications, much like professional race teams. AHN’s robotics students take on specialized roles, including electrical systems, mechanical design, strategy, and driving. Like a motorsports team, each member contributes specific expertise toward a shared goal.

One of the most impactful moments came at the inspection station, where students watched officials measure and evaluate the IndyCars before practice. When one team failed its initial inspection and had to spend the morning modifying part of its car, the connection to robotics competitions was clear.

“Our students went through a similar experience at a robotics competition this year,” said Engineering Teacher Eric Price. “They’ve had to make adjustments under pressure to meet inspection standards. Seeing a professional team go through the same process reinforced that engineering is about problem-solving and perseverance, no matter the level.”

After months of outreach and coordination, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) welcomed AHN students into its garage for a behind-the-scenes tour. MSR is notable for having two women serving as race engineers, leaders responsible for running simulations, analyzing data, and guiding race strategy throughout the weekend.

Inside the team’s mobile “situation room,” students saw firsthand how real-time data informs performance decisions. They also spoke with engineers and team members about their educational paths and professional journeys. Seeing women leading strategy at that level left a strong impression and reinforced an important message: there is space for AHN students in these arenas, and the skills they are building now translate directly to the professional world.

For freshmen through seniors alike, the day at the Grand Prix offered a clear view of what engineering can look like beyond the classroom. The connection between robotics and professional motorsports was no longer theoretical. It was happening right in front of them.

The experience also reinforced what AHN works to cultivate each day: the confidence to pursue ambitious paths and the preparation to succeed in them.