The need for speed: Mousetrap cars built for racing

Two Summerland seventh-grade students discovered construction a vehicle takes patience and a lot of testing.

Luke Kester and Zander Tabbert competed in mousetrap vehicle - distance competition.

Kester finished third in the event.

He said the event seemed like a challenge he was willing to tackle.

"I have liked creating cool things since I was three," he said, noting he had seen others build the mousetrap vehicles. "It inspired me to create my own."

He started the process by planning a design and got to work on the creation.

"The wheels were definitely the worst challenge during the competition," he said. "I had a wheel break my practice round and my front wheel fell off."

Kester said if he would have advanced to the next level of competition, the wheels on the mousetrap car would be in better condition.

"And, my axle will be a lot better," he said.

Tabbert decided to pursue competition because mousetrap cars are fun to make.

He prepared by building his vehicle and then, "There were lots of tests."

Prior to competition, one of Tabbert's runs extended approximately 90 feet.

Once the event was underway, he experienced a few problems.

"The car wouldn't go in a straight line," he said.

Both students learned that SkillsUSA offers practical experiences, as well as lifelong skills.

Tabbert learned, "I am more creative than I thought."

Kester said he realized what he is capable of doing.

"Making friends along the way has been a good thing," he said.

And, if at first you don't succeed, "don't give up," Kester said.