Motoring giant Honda throws support behind next generation of Australian talent with Energy Breakthrough

Tom Naghten

Motoring giant Honda throws support behind next generation of Australian talent with Energy Breakthrough image

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What do Oscar Piastri, Matthew Dellavedova and Kai Lohmann all have in common?

Apart from being Aussie athletes mixing it with the best in their respective sports, they're all graduates of an iconic Australian education initiative.

Before Lohmann was a back-to-back AFL premiership winner, the Brisbane forward honed his teamwork and problem-solving skills as a participant in Energy Breakthrough.

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The program sees students, parents, teachers and local industry come together to design, build and test vehicles ahead of a showcase in Maryborough, Victoria.

Basically, billy cart derby meets the science fair.

Lohmann joined Formula 1 superstar Piastri and NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova as graduates of the program, which first began in 1991.

"They were some of the funnest times I had at school," Lohmann said while visiting some of this year's Energy Breakthrough participants at Holy Cross College in North Ryde.

"The teamwork and creative problem solving has definitely helped me become an AFL footballer."

In a boost for all those involved in Energy Breakthrough, global motoring powerhouse Honda have come on as a partner for the next two years, helping to foster the next generation of young Aussie dreamers.

"For over 30 years, Energy Breakthrough has been about building more than just vehicles—it's about building skills, confidence, and community," spokesperson for Energy Breakthrough Nigel Preston said.

"Honda's partnership provides vital support that allows us to unite schools and volunteers in a shared mission of innovation.

"Their commitment to engineering and future mobility makes them the perfect partner to help us empower these incredible students."

Honda's GM of Brand, Marketing & Customer Experience Eva Barrett praised the impact of the program.

"This partnership is an active collaboration to inspire and enable future problem-solvers," Barrett said.

"It reflects Honda's core belief in the power of dreams and our mission to help people achieve their potential.

"By providing a platform for hands-on STEAM learning, we are investing in the young minds who will shape Australia's future."

Kai Lohmann Energy Breakthrough

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The event culminates in a Le Mans-style 24-hour race around Maryborough in the Victorian Goldfields region, with this year's to take place from November 18-23.

"Year 8, I was moving schools, so they put me in the car last so I could finish the race, that was pretty special," Lohmann recalled.

"I reckon [mum] had to wake me up at 2 am one time, and I had to get in the car at 2:30 or 3 am.

"It's such a cool race that it goes over 24 hours."

Lohmann, who recently won a second-straight AFL premiership with the Lions, urged participants, and those considering it, to go all-in.

"Just embrace it and have fun," he said.

"If you're thinking about signing up, definitely sign up because it's one of the best memories I have from school and I wish I could go back and do it now."

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