# DIY Reptilian Race Cars These Turtle Shell Racers by Michale Curry Bring Mario Cart to Reality By Matt Ho | Published 2011-08-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turtle-shell-racers References: [mike-ibioloid.blogspot](http://mike-ibioloid.blogspot.com/2011/08/turtle-shell-racers-in-action.html) & [thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10526) The Super Mario fanboy inside me jumped up and down with joy when I saw the Turtle Shell Racers built by Michale Curry. Those who are unfamiliar with the world of [Mario Cart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-worlds), each of the racers in the game can pick up weapons, and one of them is a [spiky turtle shell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-the-gathering-x-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles) that you can launch at your enemies. While you can't launch these Turtle Shell Racers towards your rivals, you can still use it to race. Curry has provided a 3-D template for you to download so that you can make your very own at home. The only problem is that you do need a 3-D printer and if you do, this is a DIY project worth taking on especially if you're a huge Super Mario fan. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **DIY 3-D Printing:** The trend of DIY 3-D printing technology is accelerating the development of creative projects such as the Turtle Shell Racers. - **Fan-driven Nostalgia:** The trend of fan-driven nostalgia is generating interest in unique and quirky products that cater to specific cultural desires, like Michale Curry's Turtle Shell Racers. - **Interactive Gaming Experience:** The trend of interactive gaming experience is fueling innovative products such as the Turtle Shell Racers that bring virtual experiences to reality. ### Where This Applies - **3-D Printing:** The 3-D printing industry can cater to the increasing demand for personal projects like the Turtle Shell Racers. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can tap into the trend of fan-driven nostalgia by releasing products that cater to specific cultural desires. - **Craft and Hobby:** The craft and hobby industry can capitalize on the trend of DIY projects by providing resources and supplies for creative ventures like the Turtle Shell Racers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game-Themed Play Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rideon-racer.md) - [Racing Video Game-Inspired Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-kart-set.md) - [Iconic Go-Kart-Game Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-mario-kart.md) - [Eco-Friendly Racing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turbo-edge-riders.md) - [Branded Automotive Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ferrari-nintendo-steering-wheel.md) - [Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-imobility.md) - [DIY All-Terrain Tanks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allterrain-tank.md) - [Transforming Racetrack Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racetrack-toy.md) - [Miniature DIY Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peel-p50.md)