How to Create Your Own Race Car

One of the best race cars that you can make is a Co2-powered car. These wooden toy cars use a Co2 cartridge to propel it forward. Because the Co2 cartridge holds a lot of pressure in it, the car will move very fast once the cartridge is punctured, but you will only be able to use each cartridge one time. Since each cartridge holds the same amount of pressure, the race cars are a good way to determine who has the best design. Your design is the only thing that will affect the speed of the car. This makes an even playing field and a fun activity for people of all ages.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Block of wood
  • Table reciprocating saw
  • Safety goggles
  • Paint
  • Punch driver
  • Sandpaper
  • Co2 cartridge
  • Metal rods for model cars
  • Model car wheels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sketch a design for your car on a piece of paper. After you draw one sketch, don't go too much into detail until you know that it's the design you're going to pursue. You want to sketch several designs and then decide which one you want to pursue. When sketching your design, you want to make an aerodynamic figure that can withstand the pressure of the Co2 cartridge.

    • 2

      Transfer your design onto your block of wood. You will only need a simple outline for this part. Make sure the back of your car's design is large enough to hold your Co2 cartridge. If it isn't, you will have to redesign your model.

    • 3

      Use the table reciprocating saw to cut your design from the block of wood. Hold your block of wood on the table and push it through the saw along the traced line. Take your time and do it slowly.

    • 4

      Use the hole puncher to punch two holes all the way through the width of the car. One hole will be in the front of your car, and one hole will be in the back. These hole will be used for your wheel axles, so position them where you would normally see a pair of tires. The size of the punch you use to make your holes will depend on the size of your axles.

    • 5

      Punch a hole into the back of your car that is large enough to hold your Co2 cartridge, but tight enough to make sure it doesn't fall out once it is punctured.

    • 6

      Take a piece of sandpaper and go over any rough edges on your car. The smoother your car is, the more aerodynamic it will be and the faster it will go.

    • 7

      Design your car however you would like. Start by sketching a few possibilities on a piece of paper. You can paint it, use pencil to draw on it, or just write your name on it with marker. Paint will help seal any cracks.

    • 8

      Slide your axle rods through the holes you previously punched in the car. If your holes are too tight or too loose, they will affect the speed of your car. If the holes are too big, try using larger wheel rods. If the holes are too tight, you can use your hole puncher to make a larger hole.

    • 9

      Snap your plastic wheels into place on the end of each rod.

    • 10

      Fit the Co2 cartridge into the back of your car.