Te Papa’s Blog

In Inspiration Station yesterday there was a flurry of frenzied activity as the Discovery Centre pit crew hosted an hour of Formula One activities

Tiana and Jaiden check the weight of a street car tyre. © Te Papa, 2009.

Spectators were allowed into ‘trade secrets’ such as how heavy an ordinary car tyre is compared to a bigger, fatter, but lighter F1 tyre. They also found out about the revolutionary properties of carbon fibre as well – but promised not to tell any opposing teams!

But in true F1 styles the friendliness stopped as everyone got down to the serious business of the hour – building the fastest milkbottle car and racing it.

Callum with his flaming race car. © Te Papa, 2009.

There was a race to get the best stickers. All the participants understanding that how your racing car looks directly affects its overall speed

But the proof is in the pudding – kids got to race their speedy creations in five heats – winners scoring themselves a beautiful Formula One™ – The Great Design Race poster.

Check out some of the other constructors and their cars:

Constructor Jack and Kurt, one of his pit crew. © Te Papa, 2009.

Grace and her distinctive yellow-wheeled racer. © Te Papa, 2009.

Isaac sizing up his race car's tyres with the F1 Bridgestone one. © Te Papa, 2009.

Check out Mrinali's rear wing and double rear tyres - what would Max think of that? © Te Papa, 2009.

Constructor Jonathan insisted his car be number 1. © Te Papa, 2009.

Liri's car was questioned by other constructors as it didn't conform to FIA rules. © Te Papa, 2009.