BASF, a globally recognized chemical company, has renewed its partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program, furthering their joint commitment to inspire curiosity and foster innovation through practical, hands-on educational experiences.
Initially launched in 2024, this collaboration expands BASF’s support of the only year-round STEAM initiative within the motorsports industry. Through an array of classroom activities, immersive laboratory sessions, mobile outreach units and large-scale expos, the partnership ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have access to cutting-edge educational opportunities.
“With BASF’s support, we have been able to expand this program into a unique platform that offers a wealth of new experiences for over 30,000 participating children annually,” noted Babette Huitt, STEAM Program Manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “These initiatives enable students to witness the real-world applications of science in motorsports, helping to cultivate excitement and potentially ignite future interest among the next generation of race fans and industry professionals.”
A key element of the partnership remains the BASF Kids’ Lab—an interactive, volunteer-driven experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world challenges, such as sustainability and environmental innovation. Featured weekly during the Cook Out Summer Shootout, the BASF Kids’ Lab continues to be highly regarded by families. In 2025 alone, more than 7,300 students have participated, contributing to a total of 19,700 participants across various STEAM sessions this year.
Beyond its daily offerings, the STEAM program conducts special event days, homeschool sessions, community outreach via mobile units and STEAM Expos during NASCAR weekends at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 2023, the BASF booth attracted over 2,000 students at the Fall STEAM Expo. The 2025 Expo is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees, marking the largest event in the program’s history.
“We are pleased to continue this impactful collaboration with Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Denise Hartmann, BASF Senior Vice President – Dispersions & Resins Division, Americas. “This partnership not only makes science engaging and accessible but also helps students connect chemistry to everyday life, demonstrating how innovation drives sustainability and supports a brighter future.”
Currently serving students from grades 1 through 12, the STEAM program has developed into a nationally and internationally recognized hub for interactive learning, attracting groups from Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and even international visitors from China each year.
ABOUT BASF NORTH AMERICA
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and had sales of $19.7 billion in 2024. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
For 65 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard in motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages. Known as America's Home for Racing, Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles, including the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL™ 400; take behind-the-scenes speedway and race shop tours; explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame and drive an 800-horsepower stock car. Through every event and every decade, Charlotte Motor Speedway puts FANS FIRST with a never-ending commitment to enhance the fan experience. For all the latest news and information, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com, follow on X, Facebook and Instagram, or download the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
