Imsa Brings 27 Stem-focused High School Students To Daytona To Learn About Jobs In Motorsports

Sebastian Ray Serpa, a 16-year-old high school student from Volusia County, passes by Daytona International Speedway often and hears the roar of race cars from outside the gates but had never before been inside the "World Center of Racing."

After an immersive experience Friday designed for talented STEM students, Ray Serpa "will definitely" be returning for next week's Rolex 24 at Daytona - his first ever motorsports event.

IMSA arranged for 27 high school students who excel in STEM programs to come to the speedway to educate the teens on how many opportunities exist in motorsports for those interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ray Serpa, who described himself as passionate about mechanical engineering, was blown away. He thought he'd like a future learning about how the human joint works. After stops at four different stations and a tour of the speedway and cars, he's now aware motorsports is an option.

"This has been a real eye-opener for me," he told The Associated Press. "I knew that behind almost every concept out there there were opportunities, but I never realized how wide that actually went. There are so many applications that require STEM skills. I heard from marketing people who went to school for mechanical engineering, and then ended up getting greater satisfaction from marketing. Or, they still work hand-in-hand. I would really like to get to a point where I can say the same."