Submitted by Eagle Track Promotions
REPUBLIC, WA. — Students in Republic and Tonasket, like many other schools, have the opportunity to be immersed in the many disciplines of STEM — the acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
But it’s likely not many have the “classroom” these youngsters do?
Through a cooperative venture with Eagle Track Raceway, the stock car racing track in Republic, and Hewes Marine in Colville, the aim of the program is to teach STEM concepts to community youth through the lens of motorsports.
“STEM-based education teaches more than science and mathematics,” Eagle Track promoter Jason Pestka said in a news release. “We focus our efforts on hands-on learning with real-world philosophy. We teach a wide variety of skill sets and 21st-century skills, including social skills, technology literacy, productivity, media, communication, initiative and flexibility.
One of the key focus points centers on the art of problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, curiosity and decision making. “Regardless of an eventual career path, these skills prepare young people to be innovators,” Pestka said.
“Adversity is inevitable, so we coach how to cope and overcome any situation,” Pestka said. “We also aim to allow children to explore and experience during all of our projects.”
With motorsports being the base the Republic program utilizes many disciplines. After an introduction the program then offer problems that range from physics to geometry, media relations and public speaking.
“Motorsports of any type require a wide range of skills,’ Pestka explained. “We also work to give hands-on experience for all of our projects,” he added.
Working on projects from inception through to completion not only offers real-world answers, but also the gratification of seeing a project through.
“We set a high standard of requiring follow through,” Pestka said. “This sets the standard that will be followed for a lifetime.”
“A special thanks to Hewes Marine Colville for sponsoring the program,” Pestka said.
The program kicked off this past spring and will continue with a visit to Republic Junior High in September with when students will learn lessons with a modified race car. 
Students at Tonasket Elementary School get some hands on training on the basics of STEM education through the lens of motorsports.
The group at Tonasket Elemntary school who took part in a STEM lesson that revolved around motorsport.
​ HERMISTON, OR. — With three events to go Spokane’s Haeden Plybon takes a 58-point edge and a three-race win streak into the Sept. 3 for the Atomic 125.
Plybon’s 307 points leads both Max Schroeder and Zach Riehl who are tied at 249. Wyatt King and Kasey Kleyn round out the top-five and are also tied with 232 points.
The schedule concludes with races Sept. 16 at Wenatchee and Oct. 1 for the Fall Classic in Tri Cities.
​Walla Walla, WA. — Walla Walla Dragstrip drivers will be preparing for their next race Saturday, Sept 9.
The Street Legal Drags the No Prep Race will also feature Short Course Drifting on the eighth-mile track.
For Saturday racing gates open at 8, time trials at 10, followed by eliminations.
Prices: Spectators 17 and up - $10. Ages 11-16 - $5. Kids 10 and under – FREE. Drivers Fees: S/Pro $60, Pro $60, Sportsman $35, Jr. Drag $30, St. Legal / T&T $25.
The regular season where points battles will be decided concludes Sept. 22-24 with the final two Napa Points Series races.
Info: wwdragstrip.com.
They normally race on dirt at Northport International Raceway and really dislike when it gets wet. But all that changed Aug. 27 when competitors took to a gooey trench at the track that was filled with mud.
Owner Allan Lundberg tries to stay on course during a special memorial mud bog. The racing was held in memory of Robert Weiss who passed away last year.
“It was a hell of a show, a great day” promoter Cory Bell wrote in a Facebook message.
Following regular races at the track Aug. 26, Northport takes a few weeks off before resuming its schedule Sept. 30, with part of the break needed while observing racer Cory Schraeder’s wedding. 
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Paul Delaney has been writing about Motorsports in the Pacific Northwest since 1976. He welcomes learning about your racing accomplishments.
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