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KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- More than 250 students from three counties tested their physical and mental strength Friday as part of a BioMoto STEM Challenge. The students will put their lessons to the test and run through the same exercises as the pit crew that takes care of race car drivers.

"It gives students an idea how science, technology, engineering, and math can be integrated," said Andrew Shanely, an assistant professor at the Human Performance Lab.

Through a $300,000 grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, middle school students from Rowan, Cabarrus and Richmond county schools will take part the a BioMoto STEM Challenge.

"To get a really good understanding of what jobs are out there and another way to look at science," said Shanely.

Students are getting a chance to look at science through fitness from a pit crew's perspective.

"By going through the same testing procedures the Hendrick pit crew goes through, it gives them a practical experience," said Shanely.

The two-semester program is teaching students how to use STEM skills to improve their health and prepare for their own pit crew challenge in the Spring.

"We're going to get them to start lifting tires and holding the gas tank to make sure that its improving their fitness in a way that they wouldn't necessarily think they're exercising," said Concord Middle School Heath teacher, Holly Lasche.

Instructors hope the program will help students make choices beyond their daily fitness routines.

"Really being able to engage students where they might be able to make a really great career choice based on today," said Shanely.

Students will compete in the BioMoto Pit Crew Challenge at the Rockingham Dragway in the Spring.