Over 60 teams. One gym. Pure energy.
On April 25th, Alston Ridge Middle School (Cary, North Carolina) transformed into a high-energy engineering arena for the STRIPE Competition Spring 2026 Divisional. From the moment doors opened, it was nonstop action. Robots moving, teams strategizing, and scores climbing.
New this season, the Jr. Robotics Nebula Engineering Challenge stole the spotlight. Students ages 5–9 designed and built LEGO motorized amusement park rides, then documented their engineering process like true innovators. It wasn’t just building, it was thinking, testing, improving, and creating in ways that turned heads all day.
Katie, a guest judge from a local engineering firm, captured the moment perfectly:
“Zebra Robotics is doing something really meaningful, introducing students as young as five to the engineering design process in a way that builds both confidence and capability. It was impressive to see not only their creativity and problem solving, but also their composure, teamwork, and focus in a competitive setting. These are the kinds of skills that truly prepare students for the future.”
Across the gym, the intensity ramped up as top teams from across North Carolina raced the 2-minute clock in the Ride Rush Robot Game. Every second mattered. Every move counted.
STAR Division Champions
Team Bionic (520)
Rad Re-Runner (515)
Spare Parts (505)
SUPERNOVA Division Champions
Evil Bunnies 3.0 (530)
Voltage Vipers (405)
Captain Rex (335)
Next up, the stakes get even higher. Teams are headed to Niagara Falls, Canada this June for the STRIPE Competition Internationals, where the best from across North America will battle it out at the ultimate Ride Rush championship.
