By Ross Thomson
Copyright dailyrecord
A team of teenagers from Linlithgow will represent Scotland on the global stage later this month. The Vega Racing team of four 17 and 18-year-old students from Linlithgow Academy compete at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2025 in Singapore. STEM Racing, formerly known as F1 in Schools, challenges students to form their own Formula 1 team and design, build, test, and race a 15 cm scale model Car of the Future, powered by compressed gas. At the World Finals, teams present their cars, pit displays, portfolios, and verbal presentations to judges, with races taking place on a 20-metre track where cars cover the distance in just over a second. The talented students will line up against teams from 32 countries in what is set to be the largest World Finals ever, held from September 27 to October 2 at Resorts World Sentosa. Taking place alongside the Singapore Airlines Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the event will feature over 400 competitors showcasing their skills in engineering, design, enterprise and teamwork. Vega Racing by ASAM Team Manager, Kirsty Taylor, said: “We qualified for the World Finals last year but weren’t able to attend, so we’re incredibly excited to finally be heading to Singapore. “We’ve been a team for several years now and have become great friends along the way, so doing this together has been a lot of fun. We don’t quite know what to expect, but the whole event looks amazing, and we can’t wait to experience it. “Since winning our place at the National Finals in March, all of us have moved on from school — some are starting university, others are travelling — so competing at the World Finals feels like the perfect culmination of all the hard work, late nights, and dedication we’ve put into the project. “The journey has taught us so much beyond the classroom. We’ve gained invaluable experience of working as a team in what feels like a professional environment, and it has massively boosted our confidence. Whether it’s presenting our work to judges, pitching to sponsors, or speaking on the phone to people we’ve never met before, it’s all helped our personal growth as much as our academic skills. “From project management and marketing to communication and resilience, the lessons we’ve learned will stay with us long after the competition is over.” The World Finals is not only a test of skill but also an unforgettable cultural and educational experience. Competitors will enjoy the hospitality of Singapore, attend the glittering Awards Celebration Gala Dinner, and even take part in a Formula 1 pit lane walk, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Andrew Denford, founder and chairman of STEM Racing, added: “This will be our 20th World Finals and the fifth time we’ve hosted the event in Singapore, so we know we have a world-class venue and an incredible week ahead. “I know how hard the students are working in the final stretch, but I can assure them that all their effort will be worth it. Not only will they showcase their talents on a global stage, but they will also create lifelong memories, form international friendships, and potentially open doors to future careers in engineering, design, and motorsport.” Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
