Art of a Race Car

Student Objectives

Learn to draw a race car using basic shapes, create and identify the number for a race team, and more!

• Learn to draw a race car using basic shapes
• Create a sponsorship brand inspired by NASCAR race teams
• Create and identify the number for a race team
• Illustrate a car and other items (such as uniforms, hats, shirts, etc.)
• Design a trophy for a race

Download a PDF of this lesson plan
View our "Art of the Race Car Slideshow"

Materials List

1. SPARK! Education Art of the Race Car Slideshow
2. PDF worksheets
a. Car and Driver Coloring Sheet
b. How to Draw a Race Car Worksheet

3. Graph paper
4. Copy paper
5. Pens
6. Pencils (colored)
7. Markers
8. Crayons
9. Paints
10. Brushes
11. Water
12. Ruler
13. Tape
14. Creative art supplies
15. Recycled materials
16. Download Reference Images for this Lesson

Lesson Plan

1. Review the SPARK! Education Art of the Race Car Slideshow to learn more about how designers engineer the paint schemes for cars.

2. Look at the photos and images in the slideshow to identify some of the themes, sponsors and colors that make a statement. Discuss or think about the following:

a. What makes a race car’s graphic design memorable?
b. What colors are more eye-catching?
c. How does the logo or product of the sponsor receive attention on the car?
d. What are the similarities between all the cars?
e. Why would the car, team members, pit box or other items need to be the same design?

3. Using the ‘Learn How to Draw a Car’ worksheet, start with the image with the circular, square and rectangular shapes. Artists identify shapes as a starting point for creative design. Identify the shapes within a race car: how many different ones can you see? Once you have the basic shapes, add in the curves and connecting lines to fill out the shape.

4. Try to draw on your own, using the top of the worksheet or graph paper.

5. Develop your design on copy paper, first identifying colors, the style of letters and numbers you want to use.

6. Add your design to your car. Get a base line color or primer, and then add your finishing colors using paint, chalk or colored pencils to blend the colors.

7. Discuss the design, why you selected it and what you were inspired by.

8. Take your design up a notch! By using the other worksheet, create a driver suit to accompany your car.

9. Beyond the page: using materials found in your home, create a full suite of race-inspired designs. Create a trophy, race day program, hats and other items.

NOTE: Trophies in NASCAR come in different shapes and sizes. Did you notice the SpongeBob SquarePants trophy? For the Martinsville race, the winner receives a grandfather clock and, in other races, trophies may show the shape of the track.

10. High Schoolers! Take your designs online by creating 3-D models.

NOTE: Try one of the online design programs to create your designs. Many designers will use 3-D modeling to get a full perspective on their project. Look at the Hendrick Motorsports image: did you see how the car on paper was representative of the real car?

11. Host an art show with your creations or take photos to share with friends and family. Add a little music to make your creations come to life.

12. What makes a race car’s graphic design memorable?

13. What colors are more eye-catching?

14. How does the logo or product of the sponsor receive attention on the car?

15. What are the similarities between all the cars?

16. Why would the car, team members, pit box or other items need to be the same design?

NOTE: Trophies in NASCAR come in different shapes and sizes. Did you notice the SpongeBob SquarePants trophy? For the Martinsville race, the winner receives a grandfather clock and, in other races, trophies may show the shape of the track.

NOTE: Try one of the online design programs to create your designs. Many designers will use 3-D modeling to get a full perspective on their project. Look at the Hendrick Motorsports image: did you see how the car on paper was representative of the real car?