How fast do CO2 cars go?

On a standard 20 m school competition track, CO2 cartridge-powered model cars typically cover the distance in about 0.9–1.3 seconds, which works out to average speeds of roughly 55–80 km/h (34–50 mph), with brief peak bursts often reaching 70–100 km/h (45–62 mph) depending on design and conditions. These small “CO2 dragsters,” common in STEM classrooms and contests like F1 in Schools or TSA events, accelerate rapidly off the line thanks to the expanding gas from a small cartridge and finish the sprint in the blink of an eye.

What people mean by “CO2 cars”

In this context, “CO2 cars” refers to lightweight model dragsters propelled by a punctured CO2 cartridge mounted at the rear. They run along a taut guide line on straight tracks, usually 20 meters (65.6 ft) long, and are timed electronically. Most competitions standardize the cartridge (commonly 8 g; some use 4 g), track length, and launch system to keep racing fair.

Typical speeds and times you can expect

Across school and national competitions, race times and speeds cluster in a fairly consistent range. The numbers below reflect the average over the full 20 m distance; instantaneous peak speeds are often higher near mid-run.

Key benchmarks many teams see on the track include:

• Race time: around 0.90–1.30 seconds for competitive builds on a 20 m track
• Average speed: about 15–22 m/s (55–80 km/h; 34–50 mph)
• Peak speed: often 20–28 m/s (70–100 km/h; 45–62 mph), momentarily
• Elite performances: sub‑1.0 s runs have been recorded at top events; many finalists run near 1.0–1.2 s

Taken together, these figures show why the cars look so fast on video: they complete the entire course in roughly one second, with a dramatic initial surge and a short, high-speed glide to the finish.

Why speeds vary so much

Even with standardized cartridges and tracks, small design and setup choices can dramatically change a CO2 car’s time and top speed. The main drivers include:

• Mass: Lower mass reduces inertia; many competitions impose minimum mass to prevent ultra-fragile builds.
• Aerodynamics: Slim cross-sections, smooth surfaces, and clean airflow around wheels cut drag during the high-speed phase.
• Rolling friction: Precisely aligned axles, low-friction bearings, and true, lightweight wheels reduce losses.
• Structural stiffness: A rigid body maintains alignment under thrust, keeping the car straight and fast.
• Nozzle and cartridge integrity: Rules usually forbid modifying these; consistent, leak-free puncture delivers predictable thrust.
• Track and guide setup: Properly tensioned guide line, clean track, and square launch position prevent scrub and oscillation.
• Environmental conditions: Air density (temperature/pressure) and slight drafts can influence both drag and thrust behavior.

Because the run is so short, any incremental loss—misaligned axles, rubbing wheels, or surface roughness—can add hundredths of a second, which translates into a large percentage of the total time.

How to estimate or measure your car’s speed

You can get reliable speed data with simple tools. These methods help you quantify performance and compare changes after tweaks.

• Use official timing gates over 20 m: Average speed equals distance divided by recorded time (v̄ = 20 m ÷ t).
• Add mid-track splits (e.g., 10 m gates): Splits help infer acceleration and peak speed location along the run.
• High‑speed video: Frame-by-frame analysis over known markers can estimate instantaneous speed.
• Multiple trials: Run at least 3–5 passes and average; discard obvious outliers caused by launch or track anomalies.
• Record conditions: Note temperature, pressure, and any setup changes to explain small variations day-to-day.

Combining gate times with video gives the clearest picture: the gates provide accurate averages, while video reveals how quickly the car reaches and leaves its top speed.

Safety and rules to keep in mind

CO2 cartridges store pressurized gas and must be handled with care. Most competitions include strict safety and build regulations for good reason.

• Use approved, undamaged cartridges only; never heat, puncture off-track, or attempt to modify the nozzle.
• Wear eye protection during installation, testing, and racing.
• Respect minimum mass and cross-section rules; they exist to avoid structural failures at launch.
• Inspect the guide line, car alignment, and wheels before each run to prevent derailments.
• Follow the event’s launch and retrieval procedures; only trained officials should arm and fire the launcher.

Adhering to these practices not only keeps everyone safe but also ensures times are comparable across runs and events.

Bottom line

CO2 dragster cars are genuinely fast for their size: most competitive builds average about 55–80 km/h (34–50 mph) over 20 m, with momentary peaks often reaching 70–100 km/h (45–62 mph). Final speed depends on careful attention to mass, aerodynamics, friction, alignment, and consistent track conditions.

Summary

CO2 cartridge-powered school dragsters sprint a 20 m track in roughly 0.9–1.3 seconds, translating to average speeds around 55–80 km/h and brief peaks up to about 70–100 km/h. Small improvements in mass, aerodynamics, and rolling resistance can change results by tenths or hundredths of a second, so precise build quality and consistent measurement are key for reaching the front of the pack.

How fast can a CO2 racer travel on a 65.5 foot track?

In this type of racing, the participant builds a small carbon dioxide cartridge into the car, which propels it down a flat, level track. They’re fast, too — on a 65.5-foot (20-meter) track, the cars can cross the finish line in just over a second, traveling at nearly 70 miles per hour (112.7 kilometers per hour)!

How fast do drag cars go 0-100?

0.8 seconds
A top fuel dragster accelerates from a standstill to 100 mph (160.9 km/h) in as little as 0.8 seconds (less than one third the time required by a production Porsche 911 Turbo to reach 60 mph (96.6 km/h)) and can exceed 297 mph (478.0 km/h) in just 660 feet (201.2 m).

What is the average speed of a CO2 dragster?

Race results showed an average speed of 10.13m/s or 36.47km/hr over 3 trials, placing the dragster 5th out of 20 in class.

What makes a CO2 car go fast?

Simply put, the less weight your dragster has, the faster it will go. This is the most important factor that will figure into your design. Keep it light! Thrust: The gas escaping from the CO2 cartridge in the car.