Only the design could change the distance or the speed. Even though the teams appeared to be concerned with only their own model, it was soon evident that they were watching other designs go off the ramp as well. As soon as a team's model was sent off the ramp and retrieved, the redesigning would begin immediately. Initially, they focused mostly on the wheel distance and the chassis length. More complex modifications followed once the basic frame was approved.
Most designs seem to conform to race car standards of performance.
Models designs tended to allow wind to rush over and curl behind the machine. Once the car was tested on the ramp and retooled many times, the polishing began. Each student invested time on the external appearance of his or her model. The excitement of potential races began to grow within the groups. The students built these models from scratch and had developed a kind of faith in their abilities.