How to Build a LEGO Race Car

Getting Ready

• 1

  Find an idea. It can come from a picture or your mind, but before you sit down and start tinkering, you need a place to start. You might even find that your design changes a lot along the way, but a place to start is essential.

• 2

  Visualize your idea. This is most easily done with a simple drawing or even by assembling a rough LEGO model as a place to start. LEGO even offers software to help you design models! You can download LEGO Digital Designer at http://ldd.lego.com.

• 3

  Sort your bricks. This is an important step as any serious LEG collection will contain many pieces that you won't need for a car. Sort out your car pieces include wheels, windshields, doors, seats, lights and controls.

Building Your Race Car

• 4

  Build your wheelbase first. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. There are LEGO parts that are pre-built to assemble a car on, which will keep things easy. If you want to start from scratch, several long, narrow plates should do the trick. LEGO sets contain numerous different wheels so you should have choice when you begin working on your race car. Do you little tires or fat ones? Remember, the wheel base is the foundation for your car; make sure it is solid or the car will be fragile.

• 5

  Build the body of your car next. Keeping smooth, racer-like lines with LEGO blocks can be a challenge so don't be afraid to take pieces off and backtrack as needed. Your racer does not need to hold a LEGO Mini-Figure unless you want it to. Building without the constraints of fitting a LEGO person in your vehicle can free you up to make a slicker and lighter car.

• 6

  Finish your racer with fancy touches. As LEGO offers infinite options for customization, make suicide doors, spoilers or light bars. Your race car should only be limited by your imagination. Whether it is big or small, your race car will be one of a kind.