In STEM education, one of the biggest challenges is helping students see how the concepts they learn in the classroom apply to real-world STEM applications. What if you could show them that young, talented race car drivers use some of those same principles?

That’s exactly the case for Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon, two teenage brothers who are not only making a name for themselves in the racing world but are also demonstrating STEM in action, applying STEM principles like physics, engineering, and data analysis to fuel their success. 

For STEM educators, sharing the Wheldon brothers' story offers a powerful way to connect classroom concepts with exciting, high-stakes careers.

From calculating the ideal speed through a corner to analyzing race data in real-time, the Wheldon brothers exemplify how STEM education can be applied in dynamic, real-world environments.

Meet Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon: STEM innovators on the racing track

Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon, sons of the late two time Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon, have grown up around race cars, but their dedication to STEM education sets them apart. These two brothers combine their passion for racing with their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics knowledge to take their performance to new heights. The way they use STEM in racing makes them role models for students learning about STEM principles in the classroom.

Sebastian Wheldon: A champion in the making

Sebastian, 15, is already a champion. After winning the 2023 Skip Barber Race Series, he has continued to secure multiple victories throughout his racing career. He moved up to USF Juniors this year and came incredibly close to winning the championship, solidifying his place as one of racing’s brightest young stars.

Sebastian’s ability to apply STEM knowledge to fine-tune his car and analyze performance data shows how math and science are critical tools for success on the track. By integrating STEM principles, Sebastian demonstrates how STEM in racing leads to better performance.

 

Oliver Wheldon: Racing prodigy at age 13

At just 13 years old, Oliver excels racing having just been crowned the Skip Barber Race Series Champion of 2024 competing against racers much older than himself.

“I think I am two years younger than the next youngest racer in my series, and one of the lead racers is 22 years old,” he explained. Age, however, hasn’t stopped him from achieving success — Oliver has claimed the championship, showcasing his deep understanding of the STEM concepts that fuel his performance.

“We use math a lot. We look at g-forces to see how much load we have in the car going into a turn,” Oliver said. He’s also thinking about how technology could advance racing, adding, “If I were to invent new technology for racing, I’d create something where AI could show you the perfect lap and compare it to your own. It would help drivers see exactly where to improve and make data-informed adjustments.”

During a recent event at Lime Rock Park, Oliver’s ability to use his STEM education, in this case math and science, was crucial to his success:

• 0.067: The number of seconds by which Oliver secured the pole position during qualifying.
• 0.320: The margin, in seconds, separating first and second place in Race 1.
• 3: The number of points separating Oliver from the title.
• 1.53 miles: The length of the Lime Rock Park course.
• 7: The number of turns on the track (six right turns, one left).

And, of course, two of the most important numbers to Oliver:

• 6: Oliver’s winning streak coming into the event.
• 1st and 2nd: Oliver took first place in Race 2 and second place in Race 1.

Oliver and Sebastian’s journeys on the track are just the beginning of an inspiring family story that stretches beyond the finish line. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and legacy, one that’s captured in the HBO documentary The Lionheart.

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The Lionheart: The Legacy Behind Their Journey

The Wheldon brothers’ story is further illuminated in the documentary The Lionheart, which chronicles the life and legacy of their father, Dan Wheldon, a two-time Indy 500 champion. The film highlights Dan’s career and how Sebastian and Oliver are following in his footsteps, blending their passion for racing with the power of STEM knowledge. The Lionheart is a compelling narrative that showcases the role of family, legacy, and how STEM education can shape extraordinary careers.

 

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 Real-world STEM connections for your students

Students often question how STEM learning applies to their future. By sharing the story of Sebastian and Oliver, educators have an opportunity to show how classroom concepts — like math, physics, and engineering — can lead to exciting careers. The Wheldon brothers are relatable role models, demonstrating that STEM education can be fun, dynamic, and relevant to the real world. This is exactly what Play Piper aims to do: spark enthusiasm for STEM by connecting it to real-world stories that inspire students to say, “I can do it!” Our partnership with the Wheldon brothers aims to fuel that passion for STEM in classrooms everywhere.

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Go Deeper… STEM and racing: A perfect match for education

Want to dive deeper into how STEM concepts tie into the world of racing? Keep an eye out for future posts to explore the various ways science, technology, engineering, and math are critical to success on the track. From understanding aerodynamics and g-forces to data-driven decision-making and car engineering, we’ll show you how to bring these concepts into your classroom. The Wheldon brothers’ journey is just the beginning of how STEM and racing go hand in hand, and we’re excited to share more tips and insights on how to inspire your students with real-world applications of STEM.

 

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Stay tuned for more from the Wheldon Brothers and Play Piper

Sebastian’s and Oliver’s collaboration with Play Piper is just beginning. Through educational content and hands-on activities, these young drivers will help us show students how STEM principles are used every day in their racing careers. Together, we’ll inspire students to see the possibilities STEM can unlock for them — both on and off the track.

 

Who is Play Piper?

Play Piper is committed to transforming students' engagement with STEM by offering immersive, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and fuel confidence. Our student-led, teacher-guided tools and activities for Grades 3-8+ deliver career-connected, engaging experiences that inspire an “I Can Do It!” mindset, helping educators become facilitators and catalysts for powerful, transformative STEM experiences.

One of our exciting products, the Piper Make Beam Break, allows students to explore the principles of light and motion sensors by building their infrared beam break sensor. This tool makes complex STEM concepts fun and engaging, helping students understand how real-world technologies — like those used in racing — operate. Beam Break is one of many ways we empower students to become creators, problem-solvers, and innovators ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.