Basically, take a bobsled, strenghten it, replace the skids with wheels and connect it via cables to two automatic cars (such as a VW Beetle). The cars are custom modified to be remotely controlled. They can be also controlled through physical wires that run with the attachment cables if so fitted.
The driver (in the sled) uses a normal steering wheel and pedals. A computer assisted remote driving system situated on the sled synchronises the steering columns, tranmissions and brakes of the two pulling vehicles. The sled features it's own synchronised braking system so it does not overshoot the cars when slowing down.
Of course, there are various safety features. The vehicles can be detached and can both deploy drag-chutes, as can the bobsled, which also has an ejection seat for the driver.
(I actually thought up this idea when The Phantom Menace first came out, though I only remember it now after watching the special features on the DVD.
Another previous variation I thought of involved PHYSICALLY controlling the cars through a mess of wires and stuff, but it kept reminding me of that Mr Bean episode).-- mrkillboy, Oct 21 2001 A fine film http://www.asciimation.co.nz/for you Star Wars types [thumbwax, Oct 21 2001, last modified Oct 21 2004] its funny which is good - but it might make someone use that really awful acronym which is very bad... still I'll give it a vote...-- RobertKidney, Oct 24 2001 I like this idea. When The Phantom Menace came out I designed pod racers for all my favourite formula one teams (althought they were slightly more stylised than the starwars ones). I think that you'd need a slightly more advanced seating area than a bobsled, and possibly something that is a little smaller than a full sized car. Also what is to prevent you from sliding all over the place on your bobsled type thing whilst you weave skillfully through the traffic, coz the way I see it the moment you turn a corner you'll just keep going round it whilst you get dragged on by the proppeling vehicles.-- kaz, Oct 24 2001 //what is to prevent you from sliding all over the place on your bobsled type thing whilst you weave skillfully through the traffic//
Me? Hey, I just made this up, nowhere in Hell I'm getting into that thing!
Seriously, good point. Maybe it just adds to the skill needed to race. Many can drive a car, but only a handful can handle an F1 racer.-- mrkillboy, Oct 25 2001 Thank you very much. I believe I am one of those of F1 calibre, though I've never been in one.-- thumbwax, Oct 25 2001 Why?????? have two cars to pull you along it wouldn't be faster or more efficient, thanks for playing , try again.-- andywoo, Oct 26 2001 Thanks for your brilliant and eloquent critique, andywoo. Absolutely scathing! I just love the dismissive tone it has. You must be very smart.-- snarfyguy, Oct 26 2001 This idea gets points for silliness, but ultimately I have to fishbone it because it was inspired by such a crap film. Let's just let all memories of the Phantom Menace wither and die, shall we?-- BertieWooster, Oct 26 2001 I wish, BertieWooster. I'd do my own lobotomy with a power-drill if I thought I could get that big pile of crap out of the memory it's seared into (without doing permanent damage to my social skills, that is.)
On the topic of that awful acronym, RK... would that be WTRCTISITMWIBNIIWR, or whatever the hell it is?-- Guy Fox, Oct 26 2001 Only Star Wars movie I've ever seen is the one in ascii.-- thumbwax, Oct 26 2001 [Guy Fox] sounds about right... now make it stop... it burns my eyes...-- RobertKidney, Oct 26 2001 random, halfbakery