on 22 Nov 2023
The 2023 VAILO Adelaide 500 is set to host a record-breaking number of students at its free Schools Day when it hits the city’s streets later this week.
The Schools Day, presented by the History Trust’s National Motor Museum, allows schools and students to experience all the on and off-track action this Thursday (23 November), exploring the precinct following the ‘Schools Day Pit Stop Path’.
This year, over 3,000 students from 141 schools are registered to attend, doubling the number of registrations in 2022.
VAILO Adelaide 500’s Chief Executive Mark Warren values the importance of programs such as the School’s Day in encouraging the future of motorsport.
“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the highest number of students we’ve ever had at an Adelaide 500 School’s Day this year and hoping it’s just another step to a strong future of motorsport,” said Warren.
“Engaging students is an important part of capturing the hearts and minds of the next generation of motorsport fans and goes a long way in setting up the future success of our great event.
“Not only that, but the program has also been designed to encourage students to use their STEM skills and see another more interesting side to the car racing industry.”
Local Supercars driver Todd Hazelwood, who was in Adelaide to visit Modbury School – the school with the most registrations this year – was excited to see so many students and teachers eager to get to the track this year.
"I was born in Modbury, so it was awesome to return to the area recently and see so many kids excited about motorsport. I'm looking forward to seeing the students at the VAILO Adelaide 500 Schools Day on Day 1 of the event this week,” Hazelwood said.
The Minister for Education, Skills & Training, the Hon Blair Boyer said: “This is a great partnership between the National Motor Museum and the VAILO Adelaide 500. The National Motor Museum is uniquely positioned to provide a fun and educational experience of South Australia’s motoring history.
“Registered schools will receive ‘Motorworks’ kits from the National Motor Museum at the event and get hands on with the design and assembly of a small-scale Model T Ford, applying their problem solving, critical thinking and STEM skills in the process.”
“We encourage teachers to partake in at the VAILO Adelaide 500 Schools Day and learn more about the past, present and future of the automotive industry and skills here in South Australia.”
The National Motor Museum’s 'Motorworks' education program replicates the assembly line for the Model T Ford and covers the STEM subject areas of maths and technology as well as the critical skills of collaboration and teamwork. The program also introduces students to the socioeconomic history of South Australia’s 20th century automotive industry.
The Model T was produced by the Ford Motor Company in the early 1900’s and was one of the first affordable, mass-produced vehicles primarily bought and driven by the middle-class. The vehicle makes for a great example not only of how motoring has progressed but also society as a whole.
The VAILO Adelaide 500 will be held 23 – 26 November 2023. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek with general admission free for kids 12 and under with a paying adult.
For more information, visit adelaide500.com.au
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