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How to Play Matchbox Race

Die-cast cars are also referred to as matchboxes because the original models were made to fit in a box the size and shape of a box of matches. If you have more than one matchbox, besides displaying them on your shelf, you can have awe-inspiring races with them. Just make sure that both matchboxes can run a straight line.

Things You'll Need

Two matchboxes
Friend
Wide open floor without irregularities

Instructions

- 1
  Test each matchbox that you want to race. Slide it gently to ensure that it travels along a straight line reasonably well. If it ends up at a different angle from where it started, then it's unsuitable for a race.
- 2
  Find a buddy who wants to play matchbox race with you.
- 3
  Go to an area that has a wide open floor. The floor must be smooth and must not have irregularities that will cause the matchboxes to fly off or turn upside down. It doesn't have to be a school gym, but the floor area should be large enough to ensure that the matchboxes won't collide with a wall, because you'll be giving them a lot of thrust. Otherwise the race won't be much fun.
- 4
  Position yourselves on your knees, sitting level-parallel to each other and face in the same direction.
- 5
  Use timing from one to three. On three, you each give a strong thrust to the matchbox in the right hand.
- 6
  Play many races, switching matchboxes to eliminate the thrust bias. Mark the results on a piece of paper; the overall statistics will prove the winner.

Childrens Toys