From the Shop Classroom to the Starting Grid
Back in January, Rio High School’s first year BuildMOTO team started with little more than a stock motorcycle, a set of tools, and a willingness to learn. Over the following months, the Rio “Bikings” transformed that bike through class time, a few Saturday work sessions, and hands on problem solving that pushed the team well beyond the classroom.
As the season progressed, students gained experience in engineering, fabrication, tuning, and race preparation while building their motorcycle from the ground up. From teardown and reassembly to troubleshooting and final adjustments, the team developed technical and mechanical skills used every day in manufacturing and motorsports industries.
Dyno Day Delivers a Major Milestone
As the team prepared for competition, the progress they had made in the shop started showing real results. On Dyno Day, the Rio Bikings recorded a strong 21.96 horsepower run, an impressive achievement for a program competing in its first season against more experienced schools.
For the students, the dyno results represented far more than a number on a screen. Months of assembly work, tuning adjustments, and troubleshooting had come together in a meaningful way. Every hour spent in the shop translated into measurable performance on the dyno.
Lessons Learned, Results Earned
Race day capped off an already successful season with an impressive finish on the track. Competing against 18 BuildMOTO teams from around Wisconsin, the Rio Bikings earned 7th place in their first season of competition.
For a new team, finishing in the top 10 of the field is something the students, mentors, and supporters can all be proud of. The season wasn’t just about lap times or standings, it was about learning how to work together, adapt under pressure, and see a project through from start to finish.
Building More Than a Race Bike
Programs like BuildMOTO give students the opportunity to experience engineering, fabrication, and teamwork in a way that textbooks simply can’t replicate. Throughout the season, Rio students developed practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what goes into building and competing with a race machine.
Everyone at Gaskets, Inc is proud to support the Rio High School BuildMOTO team and the opportunities this program creates for students interested in technical careers and hands-on learning.
Congratulations to the Rio Bikings on a successful first season. We’re already looking forward to seeing what next year’s team can accomplish.