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Spring 2026 Motor City Math Challenge

Our second competition, the Spring 2026 Motor City Math Challenge, was cohosted with Mustang Math (who held their signature middle school competition while we held the Motor City Math Challenge).
Designed for 1st–8th graders across South-Eastern Michigan, the event aimed to expand access to math competitions, introduce students to problem-solving, and build a stronger math community in the region. 

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Participation

We were thrilled to welcome almost 100 students from across Michigan for our elementary school competition alone. Students competed in three grade-based divisions:

  • Beginner (1–3): 51 students

  • Intermediate (4–5): 34 students

Competition

The competition featured three rounds. One was individually scored while the others challenged students to work with partners they had never met before, deepening connections and building fun memories.

Individual Round

25 short-answer questions in 45 minutes were provided for each division, generally increasing in difficulty throughout the round.​

Team Round

Each team of four randomly assigned students from a division (each student could select up to one partner to be with) was provided 30 minutes to solve 25 problems. A bonus point was provided if a team solved 5 consecutive problems correctly.

Puzzle Round

​This round, by far our most popular, was team-based and challenged groups to complete 15 logic puzzles in 30 minutes. Both divisions completed Numberlink and Snake puzzles, and Beginner participants also completed Rainbow Sudoku while Intermediate competitors worked on Star Battle.

Past problems can be found in the problem archive

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Presentation & Impact

Before our awards ceremony, one of the wonderful Michigan MATHCOUNTS coordinators, Ms. Nancy McClain from the National Society of Professional Engineers, came to speak to participants about how useful math would be later on in their lives. Top-scoring participants and teams were rewarded with medals and certificates.

Highlights

We had an amazing turnout with enthusiastic participation during each of the rounds!

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Awards

In order to recognize as many participants as we could, the top five individuals and top three teams in each division were recognized. Additionally, grade awards were presented to the top three individuals in each grade not previously recognized as individuals.

A complete list of award winners can be found here. Thank you to all of our participants, and a special congratulations to our award winners!
 

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Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made this event possible:

  • Novi High School, for graciously hosting us

  • Ms. McClain, for presenting awards

  • All MCMC parents and volunteers who proctored, graded, organized, and kept the event running smoothly

  • Our sponsor, Authentikka of Wixom, for supporting our mission and providing their delicious Indian food for participants.

Most importantly, to the students and families whose enthusiasm made this event truly special!

What's Next?

We’re excited to continue expanding opportunities for young mathletes to explore the wide world of math. Our upcoming events include:

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  • Next Motor City Math Challenge: September/October 2026

  • MCMC Problem Solving Classes: Summer 2026

  • High schoolers: Applications open for Problem Writing Committee and Outreach Committee positions

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More detailed information will be released soon. 

To stay updated, keep an eye on our website, email announcements, and social media pages.

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If you'd like to be added to our email list, please let us know at motorcitymathchallenge@gmail.com!

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