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.
