G-Forces and Thrills at 2008 TSA Race Events

What is the greatest thrill ride in sunny Orlando, Florida? Disney World’s Space Mountain? The Kraken at SeaWorld? What about the mean, green Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure?

Wild as these monster coasters are, on the sultry days of June 29 and 30, 2008, they took a second-row seat to the exciting ride in the Panzacola H ballroom of Orlando’s Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel.

The ride was the 80-foot elevated racetrack that was showdown central for the CO₂ race events at the annual National Technology Student Association conference.

Just like an audacious coaster – think acceleration, speed, and g-forces – the 1/20-scale cars rocketed down the track under the power of CO₂ gas escaping from the onboard cartridge. The cars were quick – blasting through the scale quarter-mile race in just over eight-tenths of a second. The competition was fierce – 2008 featured more photo finishes than most years feature.

Every year at the events, the brevity of each race contrasts with the considerable amount of time the student competitors invest in their cars during the months leading up to the conference.

In classrooms all over the U.S., middle and high school students learn about aerodynamics, inertia, and effects of friction. They apply their knowledge by designing and building a scale dragster. Materials include a wedge-shaped piece of balsa, two axles, and four wheels.

As the cars take shape, students strive to shave every possible gram of weight. Every surface feature that may disrupt laminar airflow in wind tunnel tests is examined. All these efforts pay dividends on the track.

While the races are a blast, the real thrill comes from the excitement and sense of accomplishment shared by the student competitors.

Check out the 2008 TSA finalists in our showroom!

Watch the 2008 TSA highlights!

Special 2008 3-D Features

• Take a virtual walk around the magnificent Spencer Lewis car.
• Feast your eyes on this rotisserie – the Jose Martinez car.