Death Defying Pedal Car Races at Maker Faire Bay Area

Last year at Maker Faire Bay Area, the first ever Death Defying Figure 8 Pedal Car Races were hosted by the fine folks of the Fun Bike Unicorn Club (FBUC). The idea is to build a four-wheeled pedel-powered racer inspired by the cyclekarts of the early 1900s and hit the track to race against your fellow makers. The basic requirements are that the vehicle be a pedal-powered single seater with no less than 4 wheels and some good brakes. You’re gonna need those brakes because the track has a figure 8 twist: two turns and a cross. Further tech specs are: no larger than 50″-wide by 70″-long wheelbase, the car body can’t be more than 4″ wider and 20″ longer than the wheelbase, no stock store-bought vehicles, no sharp edges, and nothing designed to harm other racers or vehicles.

And since this is a FBUC event, style is as important as speed. Got what it takes? Enter today by filling out the online form and get cracking on your pedal car build. You still have about a month and a half before the race takes place at Maker Faire on May 18 and 19, plenty of time to flex your engineering prowess.

Then get amped by checking out the race promo video, our video from last year’s event, and this series of pics from the Maker Faire Bay Area 2012 races, shot by FBUC member Mike Solari.