CO₂ Dragsters

$12.75
$0.00 $12.75
CO₂ Dragsters
CO₂ Dragsters
CO₂ Dragsters
CO₂ Dragsters
CO₂ Dragsters
CO₂ Dragsters
Grades 6-12

CO₂ Dragster Kits: Design, Build & Race in Your Classroom

$12.75
$0.00 $12.75
Shipping calculated at checkout.

SKU:91353

CO₂ Dragster Kits challenge students to apply the full engineering design process—from prototype sketching to aerodynamic shaping to competitive racing. Available in Fusion, balsa wood, and basswood, each kit includes everything needed to design, build, and race a CO₂-powered dragster. TSA-approved for competition use.

In stock
Students Served: 1 student per kit
No Special Tools Required
No Special Tools Required
50-Packs Available for Easy Refills
50-Packs Available for Easy Refills
TSA Competition Approved
TSA Competition Approved
Works Across Skill Levels
Works Across Skill Levels
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Fusion body blank (12")
  • CO2 Dragster User Guide
  • Fusion Dragster Storage Box (purple)
  • 1/4 sheet of sandpaper (100 grit)
  • 1/4 sheet of sandpaper (180 grit)
  • CO2 cartridge (8 gram)
  • Straw
  • 2 Lx wheels
  • 2 Px wheels
  • 4 brass washers
  • 2 axles
  • 2 screw eyes (5/8")
  • 2 screw eyes (1/4")
SPECIFICATIONS & SAFETY
  • Quantity: 1
  • Material: Polyurethane foam
  • Dimensions: Body blank is 12" x 1-5/8" x 2-3/4" with a hole drilled for the CO2 cartridge.
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CO₂ Dragsters

CO₂ Dragsters

$12.75
$0.00 $12.75

Frequently Bought Together

1
CO₂ Cartridge 10-Pack
+
2
EZ Start Gate
+
3
Impulse G3 Race System
Total: $2,541.75 (3 items)
CO₂ Dragsters

Design. Shape. Race. Repeat.

CO₂ Dragster Kits put the full engineering design process in students' hands. Starting from a solid body blank, students sketch a prototype, shape their dragster using hand or power tools, sand and finish the body, install axles and wheels, and race using CO₂ cartridge propulsion. Available in three materials—Fusion (polyurethane foam), balsa wood, and basswood—each blank offers a different design experience while meeting TSA competition standards. Single kits include everything one student needs; 50-packs provide classroom-scale refills.
Three Material Options

Three Material Options

Fusion, balsa wood, and basswood blanks each offer unique shaping characteristics for different skill levels.

Complete Build Kit

Complete Build Kit

Each single kit includes the body blank, wheels, axles, CO₂ cartridge, sandpaper, and user guide.

TSA Competition Ready

TSA Competition Ready

All three materials are officially approved by the Technology Student Association for dragster competition.

Iterative Design Process

Iterative Design Process

Students sketch, shape, test, and refine—applying engineering design principles through hands-on production.

What Students Will Do

With CO₂ Dragster Kits, students work through every stage of the engineering design process:
  • Sketch a dragster prototype using design constraints and aerodynamic principles
  • Shape a body blank using hand tools, power tools, or both
  • Sand, seal, and finish the dragster body
  • Install axles, wheels, and screw eyes for guide-wire racing
  • Load a CO₂ cartridge and race on an elevated track
  • Analyze race data, identify performance variables, and refine the design
  • Compete in TSA-sanctioned or classroom-level dragster events

Compare Similar Products

Feature Fusion (Polyurethane Foam) Balsa Wood Basswood
Material Type Polyurethane foam blank Balsa wood blank Basswood blank
Ease of Shaping High—shapes with standard and CNC tools High—lightweight, easy to carve by hand Moderate—denser grain requires more effort
Durability High—resists cracking on impact Low—lightweight but fragile High—dense and impact-resistant
Weight Medium Lightweight Heavier
TSA Competition Approved
Recommended Tools Sandpaper, files, CNC router X-Acto knife, sandpaper, balsa cutter Coping saw, files, sandpaper
Available as a Single or 50-Pack
Best For Beginners & CNC/3D design workflows Experienced hand-carvers & lightweight builds All-around performance & durability

Engineering Starts with a Blank

CO₂ dragster racing is one of the most engaging ways to teach the engineering design process—and it has been a classroom staple for decades.

Students start with a solid body blank and a design challenge: build the fastest, most aerodynamic dragster possible within a set of constraints. From there, they move through every phase of production:

  • Sketch and plan a prototype
  • Shape the body using rasps, files, sandpaper, or power tools
  • Seal, prime, and finish the surface
  • Install axles, wheels, and guide-wire hardware
  • Load a CO₂ cartridge and race

After each race, students analyze performance, identify variables like drag, friction, and weight distribution, and refine their designs for the next round.

This isn't a simulation.
It's real engineering with real results.

Career-Connected Engineering

Dragster design and racing connect directly to careers in automotive engineering, manufacturing, industrial design, and aerospace. Through hands-on production and competitive testing, students develop the problem-solving skills and technical fluency that drive modern engineering fields.

Students explore how design principles apply across industries such as:
Automotive design and manufacturing
Aerospace and aerodynamics
Industrial prototyping
Quality assurance and testing
Process improvement and optimization

They don't just study engineering. They practice it.

Science

  • Newton's laws of motion
  • Aerodynamics and drag
  • Friction and surface resistance
  • Force, mass, and acceleration
  • Energy transfer and propulsion

Technology

  • Design processes and constraints
  • Finishing techniques
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting
  • Testing and evaluation
  • Modification and iteration

Engineering

  • Engineering design process
  • Prototyping and modeling
  • Energy and power systems
  • Iterative design and refinement
  • Material selection and properties

Math

  • Metric and English measurement
  • Tolerances and precision
  • Calculating speed and acceleration
  • Weight distribution and balance
  • Data analysis and comparison

Support Materials

Videos, guides, and resources to help you get the most out of this product.

Videos

Introducing Fusion - CO2 Dragster Blanks

CO2 Dragsters – Designing & Shaping

CO2 Dragsters – Finishing

CO2 Dragsters - Racing

Why Teachers Love CO2 Dragsters

Proven Classroom Engagement

Proven Classroom Engagement

Dragster racing has motivated students for decades—combining competition with real engineering.

Complete Kit, No Guesswork

Complete Kit, No Guesswork

Everything one student needs to design, build, and race is included in the box.

Three Materials, One Standard

Three Materials, One Standard

Fusion, balsa, and basswood all meet TSA competition requirements.

No Devices or Software Required

No Devices or Software Required

Students work with their hands—no screens, no downloads, no troubleshooting.

Competition Ready

Competition Ready

All blanks are officially approved by the Technology Student Association for sanctioned events.

Scales to Any Classroom

Scales to Any Classroom

50-packs make it easy to refill and restock for full-class or multi-section implementation.

"I think personally when students see us modeling SEL concepts, it's setting the example/precedent. I think CO₂ cars really lend themselves to that because it's high-stakes, it's competitive, and students can learn to be gracious whether they win or lose."

— Emily Bracco, STEAM Lab Teacher, Orlando, FL

Flexible Purchasing Options

Pricing and volume discounts are built in—choose the path that fits your purchasing process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Fusion, balsa wood, and basswood blanks?

Fusion is a polyurethane foam that shapes easily with hand tools—ideal for beginners or classrooms without power equipment. Balsa wood is the lightest option, preferred by experienced designers focused on speed. Basswood is a durable hardwood that holds fine detail and is a strong all-around choice. All three are TSA-approved for competition.

Are CO2 Dragster Kits approved for TSA competition?

Yes. All three blank materials—Fusion, balsa wood, and basswood—are officially approved by the Technology Student Association for use in CO₂ dragster competition events.

What tools are needed to build a CO2 dragster?

Basic hand tools such as rasps, files, and sandpaper are sufficient. Power tools like band saws and belt sanders can also be used. A Tools for Dragster Production reference sheet is available as a free download.

What is included in the 50-pack?

The 50-pack includes 50 body blanks in the selected material. Storage boxes are not included. The 50-pack is designed as a classroom refill for Getting Started Packages or for large-scale implementation.

Do I need a racetrack to use CO2 Dragster Kits?

A racetrack is required for racing. Pitsco offers the FASTRAK Elevated Racetrack and Impulse G3 Race System. Students can still complete the full design and build process without a track.

Is curriculum included with the kit?

Each kit includes a self-directed CO₂ Dragster User Guide that walks students through the design and build process. For structured, standards-aligned instruction, The Engineered Dragster: Design Basics Teacher's Guide is available separately.