IZOD IndyCar Series driver Charlie Kimball was impressed with the basketball-shooting robot of Team "Robowranglers" of Greenville, Texas, during a meet and greet a few hours before the Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway.

The event marked the official launch of a collaboration between FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and Kimball to inspire and enhance youngsters' interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Kimball will host FIRST teams at the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston and the MAVTV 500 later this season.

“Technology, engineering and math play a huge part in the success of an IndyCar team every race weekend,” Kimball said. “Getting students interested in STEM careers through FIRST and its K-12 robotics programs is a great step toward building a better future for not only the students, but also the country as a world leader in science and technology.

“I have long admired the impact FIRST has made by offering robotics programs that change the way young people think, learn and solve problems. It all starts with these kids and I can’t wait to show them a small part of how we use STEM principles to solve problems and go faster on the track.”