2026 Pedal Car Challenge
View this year's entries and vote for your favourite in each of three categories
(A link to the voting page is provided below the entries)
Mark 1 - R.E Mountain Secondary School
Mark 1 proves that every great creation starts with a vision and the courage to build it.
Inspired by Iron Man’s iconic red roadster, Mark 1 was built to embody the spirit of innovation, determination, and bold engineering. Just as Tony Stark transformed a simple idea into something extraordinary, this pedal car was designed to turn imagination into reality. With its supercharger-inspired engine, striking flame graphics, and classic hot rod styling, Mark 1 captures the excitement of speed and the creativity behind every great build.
The name Mark 1 is a tribute to Mr. Estaben, recognizing his guidance, encouragement, and lasting impact on the team, while also serving as a nod to Iron Man’s legendary first suit; the beginning of something remarkable.
Golden Current - Mission Senior Secondary School
Golden Current is a symbol of where engineering is headed and what can be achieved when imagination is powered by innovation.
Inspired by the future of clean transportation, Golden Current was designed to prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Unlike traditional racers, this fully electric pedal car showcases how innovation and creativity can shape the next generation of engineering. Its sleek gold finish represents energy, optimism, and a commitment to building a cleaner future.
Every detail was crafted with purpose; from its modern, minimalist body to its smooth lines and lightweight design. Golden Current reflects the team’s vision of combining classic pedal car craftsmanship with the excitement of electric technology.
Tide Chaser - Earl Marriott Secondary School
Tide Chaser is a reminder that the best journeys aren’t about the destination, but the memories made along the way.
Inspired by the timeless beach cruisers that defined coastal culture, Tide Chaser was built to capture the freedom of chasing the perfect wave and enjoying the open road. Whether heading to the beach with a surfboard in tow or cruising through town on a sunny afternoon, it represents a lifestyle where every drive is an adventure.
Its bright ocean-blue finish, flowing body lines, and classic styling reflect the calm of the sea and the excitement of the surf. Designed with simplicity, comfort, and style in mind, Tide Chaser brings the relaxed spirit of beach life to the pedal car track.
Buck - D.W Poppy Secondary School
Buck is a personality on wheels! Celebrating self-expression, fun, and the joy of cruising.
Buck wasn’t built to blend in; he was built to roll loud, turn heads, and leave a little rubber everywhere he goes. Inspired by classic cruisers with a rebellious streak, Buck represents individuality, confidence, and the freedom to do things his own way. Every scratch, stripe, and modification tells the story of a car that’s always ready for another adventure. His extended truck bed is ready for anything.
Buck takes pride in his vibrant orange stripes, that’s inspired by a 1985 C tents. Over the years, he also got a teal pin striped design on his cow hood to express his rebellion towards matching colours and being basic. But listens to country music and he loves 90s rock, such as Creed and obviously Pearl Jam. You can find Buck in the DW pop cartel out blasting his music throughout the local cocaine code, turning his overpriced fuel and doing rowdy burnouts.
Stardust - Prince of Wales Secondary School
Stardust is a rolling tribute to the legends of hot rodding and the next generation, keeping that tradition alive.
Stardust was born from a passion for speed, style, and the golden era of American hot rodding. Inspired by the iconic gassers of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, this pedal car captures the bold attitude of a time when race cars were anything but ordinary. Wild paint schemes, multiple body panels, contrasting colours, and bright metallic finishes made every gasser unique, and that same spirit lives on in Stardust.
Every stripe, colour, and panel was carefully designed to celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of those classic hot rods. Its custom styling pays tribute to an era when builders weren’t afraid to be different, creating cars that were just as memorable standing still as they were flying down the drag strip.
The Green Bean - Caledonia Secondary School
Inspired by classic hot rods and finished in vibrant green with bold pink accents, The Green Bean celebrates creativity, imagination, and the belief that even an unexpected detour can become part of your greatest story.
The story of The Green Bean begins high above the clouds, in the ogre’s cloud house at the top of Jack and the Beanstalk. Tired of living on baked beans, boiled bubble gum, and golden eggs, the ogre decided to host a pedal car competition. The prize? A pedal car for his son to race down the beanstalk and help with chores in the town below.
Word quickly spread across the land, and builders came together to create their own unique pedal cars. On race day, five competitors lined up at the starting line, ready to tackle a challenging course across rough cloud terrain, through a hot pink strawberry field, and down the giant beanstalk.
Among them was a bright green, hot rod-inspired racer that would soon become known as The Green Bean. As soon as the green flag dropped, The Green Bean surged into the lead. While navigating a sharp corner, it flipped into the strawberry field, leaving behind a distinctive hot pink streak. Fortunately, the fluffy clouds softened the landing, and the car emerged ready to continue the race.
Despite the setback, The Green Bean powered through the rest of the course with speed, determination, and precision, crossing the finish line in first place. Its unforgettable green paint and signature pink streak became symbols of perseverance, earning it legendary status and making it the perfect ride for the ogre’s son.
Blacktop Bandit - Carihi Secondary School
Blacktop Bandit is a tribute to the timeless style of classic hot rods and the builders who believed every great machine should be as memorable as the people behind.
In a town where speed and style ruled the streets, there was a legend about a little car with a big attitude. They called it the Blacktop Bandit.
Built in a dimly lit garage by a team fueled by creativity and late nights, the Bandit was inspired by the golden age of 1950s American hot rods. Every detail was designed to capture the bold spirit of classic street machines while giving it a personality all its own.
Its glossy black body is accented with polished silver trim and gold highlights, but the real centerpiece is the towering triple-intake blower rising through the hood. Combined with its side exhaust pipes and aggressive stance, the Blacktop Bandit looks ready to launch down the strip even though it’s powered entirely by pedals.
On race day, the Bandit doesn’t rush to the starting line. It rolls in with confidence, letting its unmistakable style speak for itself. Then, when the flag drops, it comes alive—turn after turn, pedal after pedal, proving that determination and teamwork are more powerful than horsepower.
The Green Jewel - Victoria High
Combining classic design with modern engineering, The Green Jewel is a celebration of creativity, precision, and teamwork—proving that great style never goes out of fashion.
Inspired by the vibrant low rider era, The Green Jewel was created to capture the elegance and individuality of classic custom cars while bringing that timeless style to the pedal car track. Every detail—from its deep metallic green finish and vintage chrome grille to its gold wheels—was carefully chosen to reflect an era when craftsmanship and personality defined every build.
Congratulations to all of the students who worked on these
Pedal Car Challenge entries on behalf of their school!
Now vote for your favourites!
Vote for one entry in each of these three categories:
Most unique
Best Colour Scheme
Best Overall