Applying lessons from the classroom and taking them to the racetrack will be the focus of "The Future of Fast," an INDYCAR-themed STEM education program that will be implemented in six IZOD IndyCar Series race markets this year.

INDYCAR seeks to ignite and engage students' interest in math and science through the educational aspects of the sport through a partnership with Project Lead The Way and Jostens -- a top provider of products, programs and services to schools.

The Future of Fast is a hands-on racetrack program for eighth-graders with a curriculum created specifically for INDYCAR by Project Lead The Way -- the nation's leading provider of science, technology, engineering and math curriculum. It will feature learning pods related to various aspects of IndyCar racing. After completing the activities within each pod, students will then apply that knowledge in a virtual environment.

"Our sport is deeply rooted in science and engineering so it's important for us to create opportunities for students to see the connection between what they study and real-world situations," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent company of INDYCAR. "It's well established by people who look at the future economy of this country and where we are in education that STEM education has to be our highest of priorities. That if this country is going to compete economically, if our young people are going to have bright futures, then there just can't be a more important mission than getting more of them interested in and at a higher level of achievement in STEM education.

"For INDYCAR to be able to work with these partners to create a program, which is being called Future of Fast, is important and fulfilling work. The idea, of course, is that if you put one of our cars in front of young people, they get turned on. It's a magnet. And so why not use that ability to attract what our sport offers to young people and partner with Project Lead The Way."

In addition to developing the curriculum, Project Lead The Way also will train the volunteer educators in each race market.

"If we're going to fundamentally change the economic outlook of this nation, it's going to be through STEM education," said Vince Bertram, president and CEO of Project Lead The Way. "What we do is engage students in rigorous and relevant curriculum and really focusing on inspiring them and getting to students very early so they understand that math and science is not something that is taught and learned in isolation.

"The technology, speed and excitement of INDYCAR racing provides the perfect backdrop for us to develop curriculum that will engage and excite young students and encourage them to pursue their interests in STEM."

In its initial year, the program will reach thousands of students in six race markets with a short-term goal of demonstrating that science can be fun and a long-term goal of creating future engineers, scientists, mechanics and race fans. In future years, the program will expand into more INDYCAR race markets throughout the United States.

Events will take place at the Indianapolis 500 as well as Detroit (June 1-2); Fort Worth, Texas (June 8); Baltimore (Sept. 1); Houston (Oct. 5-6) and Fontana, Calif. (Oct. 19). Project Lead The Way and Jostens will reach out to schools in these markets to encourage them to attend.

"This real, relevant, kinesthetic and interactive education program can be a catalyst for thousands of students' understanding that STEM can be exciting, rewarding and fun to learn," said Lisa Spain, Jostens' director of Customer Experience. "STEM education is critical for the next generation's success both economically and culturally, and Jostens is proud to present this program in collaboration with INDYCAR and Project Lead The Way."