one of the useful things about having 2 kids, is that when the eldest gets given a competitive challenge at school, you have a second bite of the cherry with number 2.
well, the 4 wheel 2 axle challenge came around for a second time.
we had learnt a lot from the first time.
the “best colour scheme” trophy was a false hope. We had to go for broke and not rely on the vagaries of a colour blind judge who still thinks lava lamps are hip. we were going to break some sort of land speed/distance record this time.
there had been a bit of churn in the competition, Mr Forumula 1 had departed, Team laser had lost interest, but Fusion reactor was still about and getting cagey about his latest effort.
But we had resurrected the test ramp, and invested in some fancy axle lube. this time there would be no superfluous drivers with un-aerodynamic hair – just a finely tuned, low friction vehicle capable of heading in an optimal straight line.
This was my last chance of taking this title home. There were no more kids in the pipeline. At all.
we did lots of testing, different weights, different axles, different lengths.
we had a good formula. testing had gone well.
but we had to make one compromise – it didn’t look very nice. and everyone could see inside the transparent lemonade bottle. and check out our ballast distribution to optimise down force and axle load.
i succumbed to number 2’s demand for a makeover. we went for a multi-coloured stripey effect. sort of go-faster-stripes on acid.
The big day came. bright sunshine, even a bar was laid on. apparently the PTA had received a few comments about the lack of adult refreshment. In these tense high octane sporting events a bit of light refreshment is necessary. and i think the PTA sensed it was easy money.
Mr tannoy was in full flow.
the competition had upped its game. lots of streamlined racers. not many kids did this years entrants.
there seemed to be a food theme going on. Mr Fusion reactor had gone for what looked like a Paella. There was a fairy cake (cupcake if you want). a sort of squid like fish thing. it was a competitive looking assortment.
the first few where well short of our test run distances. we were feeling like it could be our day.
Cup cake put in a pretty good effort. but we had more in the tank. we were sure.
we got the call. a quick check of the wheels, a final dab of lube. all in order.
these few seconds would define our primary school experience.
3-2-1 go!
number 2 let it go down the ramp.
it was a great launch down the ramp. good momentum. the trajectory was straight. things were looking good. the spectators had to scuttle out of the way as the track wasn’t long enough. the crowd was cheering. they could sense it was something special.
the distance was good, but just a bit of a veer to the right spoiled what was a very very good run.
I caught the eyes of a few parents – that approving look – nice effort.
the only real contender was Paella Express – Mr Fusion reactor.
we couldn’t believe it. 8 cms. nightmare.