CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Oct. 18, 2023) – Excitement is building as the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer's "E-Racing" team, powered by Hixon Motor Sports, prepares to hit the track at the Chattanooga Green Prix this Friday. The Green Prix, hosted by Green Spaces Chattanooga, is a thrilling event where students race electric cars, go-kart size, around a challenging racetrack.
This "E-Racing" program is one component of the Foundation's Industrial Arts STEAM-based Therapy Programs. The E-Racing program is designed to inspire children with cancer and their siblings ages 9-12 to advance education in the subject of sustainable engineering and technology.
Over the past six months, eight children affected by childhood cancer worked together in building their own functioning and drivable electric car while building confidence, problem solving skills and creative thinking, including hand drawn artwork and logos.
The "E-Racing" program's name carries a profound meaning. Not only is it an Electric vehicle, but it also embodies the essence of the Austin Hatcher Foundation's mission: "Erasing the effects of childhood cancer." By participating in this program, the young racers are developing skills that not only empower them, but also help in erasing the emotional and social impacts of pediatric cancer.
“This project is about more than just racing,” said Daniel Fosbinder, AHF’s Industrial Arts Manager. “It's about fostering teamwork, enhancing problem-solving abilities, nurturing critical thinking skills, and imparting knowledge in engineering, aerodynamics and electrical systems. The kids have been on a learning journey that combines STEAM education with hands-on experience, and it has been so rewarding to watch.”
The driving force behind AHF's Goblin G2 racecar is generous support from Hixon Motor Sports (HMS), a multi-car Mazda MX-5 Cup Team competing alongside the prestigious IMSA platforms in the best sports car weekends in North America. HMS provided funds for both the car's build and the dedicated team of young racers. The HMS team's partnership has made it possible for these children to embark on a unique journey in motorsports and engineering.
The event is a testament to the Austin Hatcher Foundation's dedication to providing innovative programs that benefit entire families on their journey through pediatric cancer. These unique initiatives aim to ensure that children and their families receive the support they need to cope in the present, and thrive in the future of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
“The 'E-Racing' program aligns perfectly with our mission to restore the emotional, educational and social development of children and their families following a pediatric cancer diagnosis,” said foundation CEO and co-founder Amy Jo Osborn. “Not only are children learning incredible skills through this program, but they are also working on restoring hand-eye coordination, and fine motor and critical thinking skills, which are often hindered in the cancer treatment journey. We can’t thank our friends at Hixon Motor Sports enough for making our E-Racing program possible.”
The Austin Hatcher team will race in the Drag-Slalom at 11 a.m. on Friday, and will race in the circuit laps at 2:15 p.m. Races take place at VW Chattanooga. For a detailed schedule, detailed directions, or to learn more about Green Spaces Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Green Prix, visit https://www.greenspaceschattanooga.org/chattanooga-green-prix.
For more information about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the "E-Racing" program, and the generous support of Hixon Motor Sports, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org/goblin.