We are all makers
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.
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- The Fun Bike Unicorn Club (FBUC) hosts the pedal car races so of course there are unicorns aplenty.
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- Racers line up at the start line.
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- Todd Barricklow and his classic-looking ride.
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- Jann Samuels ripping around the track.
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- FBUC member Joey Castor protecting the noggin and lookin good.
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- The Steamroller team made a big impact.
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- The FBUC races are fun for all ages of makers.
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- Joshua Twaites earning some quality style points.
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- On your marks, get set, GO!
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- FBUC member Joshua Thwaites making the sharp turn.
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- FBUC member Todd Barricklow raring to go.
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- Whiskeydrunk Cycles founder Klaus Rappensperger in the lead.
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- Cyclecide’s Laird Rickard joins the fun.
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- Last minute mods and repairs are par for the course.
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- Joshua Twaites with his awesome handmade trophy.
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- FBUC flag girl Djuna.
+Stay tuned to the latest FBUC news, including build notes, on the FBUC blog.
The Road to Maker Faire Challenge will award $2,500 to one winner to bring his or her project to World Maker Faire on Sep. 21 & 22, 2013 in New York. Use the funding for materials, transport, or anything else you might need to get to Maker Faire. Applications are due by 11:59pm PT on August 5, 2013.
