Boise born and raised, nationally recognized K-12 educator and drag racing enthusiast shows what happens when you combine education, automotive mechanics and drag racing. Traveling to neighboring track events, participating as a racer herself, as well as integrating her love of hands-on learning has brought a unique perspective to her after school program, STEM Racing. Brenda's success comes from her innovative ability to bring new ideas and positive energy to the motorsports industry and education.

From organizing a community car show highlighting a variety of vintage cars ranging from mopars, sandrails, a pro mod and even an alcohol funny car, to taking the STEM Racing car and kids to the Boise Nightfire Nationals at Firebird Raceway, Brenda shows that anything is possible when you combine passion and determination, with a goal for inspiring students for success in education, at the track, and in their daily lives.

We are happy to introduce Craig Motzkus as our Mechanical Theory Consultant and STEM Racing sponsor the 2016 season. Craig is owner of ROCOM Custom Knives and is excited to be a part of our educational racing program. He comes to us with a passion for adventure, creativity and a drive for perfection in all that he does. From kayaking the rapids of Idaho, having an extensive knowledge of mechanical theory to building beautiful and functional custom knives, Craig will be a valuable asset to our team!

Born and raised at Drag Racings birthplace, Southern CA, Mike joins STEM Racing as both a supporter and technical advisor. Spending countless nights and weekends at the original Irwindale Raceway, and racing at OCIR, Mike has extensive knowledge on the inner workings of drag racing, and simply put it, what makes cars go. He has worked as a crew member of the Fast N Forty Fuel Altered, is fan of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Rat Fink and has attended numerous races throughout the county. When he is not at the races you can find him at work advising car enthusiasts, and selling car parts, going hockey games, a local concert, or on his weekly radio program, 180 Minutes You Can Never Get Back on KMHD2. Listen on Sunday mornings, 7am-10am, MST.

What could be better than working with one of Funny car’s best and most experienced racers to bring together the best of both worlds… education and racing??!! John brings over 20 years of experience and success to our program and has been committed to enhance academic motivation through his involvement in STEM Racing. Qualities of courage, perseverance and confidence are what make John such an amazing person. He has been a positive mentor and part of STEM Racing from the beginning. Although John is forever busy racing the pro and nostalgia circuit, he always finds time to check in, offer his guidance and encouragement, and makes sure we are taken care of by his wonderful extended racing family here in Boise.

5th grade teacher and 2016 winner, "Teacher of the Year", Kara Evans lends her passion for Science and curriculum integration to STEM Racing. She has been along for the ride since the inception of STEM Racing as has spent numerous hours aiding in aligning the Idaho State Science Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards with STEM Racing's thorough academic component. Kara's desire to see kids inspired by real life applications can be seen in her classroom as she brings GREAT Studies to fruition as a new and unique way to make a difference in the lives of her children and to the environment on a global scale.

Jet Engine Technician Bryan Gray, at VMFT-401 Marine Corps Advisory Training Squadron has been an invaluable member of the STEM Racing program. As a racer in IMCA Modifieds, the oldest racing association in the U.S. and member of various car clubs and organizations, Bryan sees the importance of keeping the sport and vo-technical education alive in our youth and taught us when working on a program of this grandeur, "Don't be flexible, flexibility is too rigid. You've got to be fluid." Bryan has offered his constant and continued support and knowledge of building race cars, engine mechanics, car restoration, and creation of partnerships along the way to help make STEM Racing a success that will have a lasting positive impact on our students, the sport, and our community.