I asked him what kind of design he wanted to do. All he wanted his last year was for his car to be fast. I spent 2 or 3 weeks prepping the wheels, axles and body, using EVERY legal trick in the book to make it fast. I showed up early to the race to test it. As soon as we finished putting the track up. We nervously set it in the atarting position. The lever was pulled and it shot down the track, flew across the raised sandpaper ridges onto the gym floor and rolled another 15 ft into the wall. Heads of parents snapped ro see if what they witnessed was real and my friend quipped, "I dont think you are going to have a problem winning." My son's car was undefeated against about 30 other cars. (Because my kid has autism and isnt very affectionate he doesnt hug.) After he was awarded the big 1st place trophy, he said, "Thank you Dad" and wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me like he never had before, and never has since. He's 15 now. The trophy still sits on the shelf and still reminds us both of one of the best moments I've ever shared with him in my life. Somebody had to win that day, and I figured it might as well be him. I don't regret it one bit. His schoolwork on the other hand.... That's ALL done by him with us nearby to keep him in task. That is the truth.