The Team Canada #1 car was very innovative but the driver had handling problems and crashed twice into the guard rails. The driver was VERY FLEXIBLE and leaned forward from the waist so that her chest was between her knees. Then a shell was placed in the space that you see in the the body and she was 'locked into' the racer. The front of the racer featured a windshield for her to look through. Note also that each axle spindle originally carried 4 eurethane wheels, placing a total of 16 wheels on the car!

 

But after the accidents, those wheel configurations were replaced with ONE standard Soap Box Derby wheel on each axle spindle to provide more stability.

 

In the next picture below you can see that he inside of the racer contains a rail system on both sides of the driver, which I believe is for protection, but also to allow the driver to pull herself down into the racer so that the hatch can be sealed closed.

 

The driver of this car was definitely NOT claustrophobic. She must have had ice water in her veins though to drive this machine. [Maybe for her next feat of bravery, she could attempt going over Niagara Falls in a barrel!]. What do you think?

 

As it turned out, she did withdraw from the race, but I certainly can understand her anxiety and concern for her safety. Maybe next year this team will bring a more "driver friendly" entry.

This racer, built by Tom and Cory Schurr, features an exceptional 'space age' design. The body is molded of a fiberglass like material and a clear plexiglas windshield completes the streamlining to the max. This car is a variation of one they raced in 2005 but is much smaller and has smaller diameter wheels. The racer features many innovations including an "8 Ball" steering mechanism that allows Cory to steer the racer with one hand by simply twisting his wrist. The plunger brake is also unique in that it is set inside a space that has "bomb bay" doors that must open before the brake can make its way to the track's surface.

 

Cory lays completely flat on his back but is able to see well enough to maintain complete control of the car. The car is painted to resemble a space shuttle and it certainly looked like it would be a fast car. Unfortunately it did not perform well enough to place highly within the field.

Below, you can see Cory in his driving position. If you look closely you'll be able to see his hands under the clear cockpit cover. Also, you'll see a picture of the wheels they are using if you scroll down a little further.

The two pictures below are of the entry by Jim and Chris Hagan. Their carbon fiber and Kevlar car body featured a rippled finish, originally thought by me to be a variation of the dimples on a golfball, but Jim said it was simply the result of not having had enough time to get the car completed. In either event, this car showed itself to be a fast one on Saturday, no doubt aided by Chris's exceptional driving experience on the Akron hill.