How to Create a CO2 Race Car

Wood shop teachers in middle schools and junior high schools show their students how to create a CO2 race car. Then they get to hold classes outside for a day to run the races. Most students take enough interest in this project to learn a little bit about working with wood.

Things You'll Need

• Block of pine or balsa wood: 2 by 3 by 10 inches
• Wheels and axles
• Small eye hooks
• Drill press
• Band saw or a coping saw and vice
• Safety glasses or face shield
• Rat–tail wood file
• Sandpaper
• CO2 cartridge
• 2 eye screws with 3/16 or 1/4 inch eye diameter Race officials will specify

Instructions

How to Create a CO2 Race Car

1. Shape the wood block. Draw the profile and top view of your cars design on the block of wood with pencil. Put eye protection in place before turning on power tools. Cut out the basic blocky shape on a band saw. If a band saw is not available, Tighten a vice around the block and shape one side at a time with a coping saw. Both types of saws allow curved cutting.

2. Bore out the engine shaft. Drill a hole in the rear of the racer that’s 3/4 inch around, and 1 and 5/8 inches deep on a drill press. A CO2 cartridge will fit snugly into the shaft. Using a hand drill is not recommended.

3. Bore the axle sleeves. Drill two holes completely through the block from the side. Wheels come in various sizes. Mark your axle hole to give the car 1/4 inch ground clearance. If your wheels have a 5/8 inch radius, the axle hole should be 3/8 of an inch from the bottom of the block. Use a 3/16 drill bit on the drill press. Axles are roughly 1/8 of an inch around.

4. Dress it up. Use a wood file and sandpaper to shape the details of your car’s design. Add color and personality with paint or decals.

5. Get ready to race. Screw the eye screws into the underside of the car. Officials may dictate their placement. Place them as close together as officials allow. Avoid piercing the axle sleeves. Push the CO2 cartridge into the back of the engine shaft, with the cap out.