My family has always enjoyed watching Nascar Races a Texas Motor Speedway and this weekend in Arlington, Texas they are hosting The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington—an NTT IndyCar Series street race with the main race on Sunday, March 15 at 11:30 AM. The race takes place on a 2.73‑mile street course around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.
This would be a once in a lifetime to attend with your friends and family. This even will also make a great #Homeschool Lesson which I’ve shared with you. If you plan on attending the Race let me know and I might be able to meet you there.
Homeschool Lesson Plan: The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington—an NTT IndyCar Series street race
A perfect cross‑curricular theme for kids of all ages!
1. Reading & Language Arts
- Read a kid‑friendly article about racecars or transportation.
- Vocabulary words: aerodynamics, pit stop, circuit, horsepower, engineer, speedometer.
- Writing prompt: “If I designed my own racecar…”
2. Math
- Calculate lap distances: If the course is 2.73 miles, how far is 3 laps? (Great for multiplication practice.)
- Compare speeds: IndyCars can reach ~180 mph on the straightaway. Have kids graph speeds of different vehicles.
3. Science
- Explore aerodynamics using paper car cutouts and a fan.
- STEM mini‑lab: Test which shapes move fastest down a cardboard ramp.
4. Social Studies
- Map Arlington’s Entertainment District.
- Discuss how cities prepare for large events (roads, safety, tourism).
5. Art
- Design a racecar using pastels, markers, or collage.
- Create team flags or pit‑crew badges.
For additional learning opportunity take your family on a #FieldTrip and visit the Arlington Entertainment District where the race takes place:
1. AT&T Stadium
- Take a self‑guided tour.
- Tie in architecture, engineering, and sports history.
2. Globe Life Field
- Explore baseball history and compare sports venues.
3. Texas Live!
- Great for lunch, walking, and people‑watching during race weekend.
4. Arlington Museum of Art
- Add an art component to your day.
Kid‑Friendly Places to Eat Near the Race: All within the Entertainment District:
| Restaurant | Why It Works for Kids |
|---|---|
| BoomerJack’s Grill | Burgers, wings, kids’ menu, casual. |
| Luigi’s Italian | Pasta + pizza = easy win. |
| Texas Live! Food Hall | Tons of choices for picky eaters. |
| Torchy’s Tacos | Quick, fun, and flavorful. |
Fun Lunch Ideas to Pack for Race Day
Pit‑Stop Snack Box
Perfect for a cooler or bento box:
- Mini sliders
- Pretzel “steering wheels”
- Grape “tires”
- Carrot sticks + ranch
Racecar Bento
- Sandwich cut into a car shape
- Cheese cubes as “fuel cells”
- Checkered‑flag toothpicks
Fuel‑Up Trail Mix
- Popcorn
- M&Ms
- Pretzels
- Raisins
- Mini marshmallows
Books: Reading Time
- If I Built a Car — Chris Van Dusen
- Race Car Dreams — Sharon Chriscoe
- The Science of Cars — STEM‑friendly nonfiction
- Go, Dog. Go! — simple transportation theme for younger kids
Crafts for All Ages
1. Paper Plate Racecars– Paint, cut, and glue wheels on a paper plate.
2. DIY Checkered Flags– Black paint + white cardstock = instant race‑day excitement.
3. Toilet‑Paper Roll Cars– Add wheels, stickers, and pipe‑cleaner spoilers.
Kid-Friendly Race Day Recipes
Speedy Spaghetti Cups– Bake spaghetti + sauce in muffin tins for grab‑and‑go portions.
“Fuel‑Up” Fruit Cups– Layer strawberries, pineapple, blueberries for a stoplight‑color theme.
Finish‑Line Brownies– Top brownies with mini checkered flags.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
