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StuckAtPrototype

Micro Racer Kit

Micro Racer Kit

$89.99 USD
$89.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Kit Variant

Micro Racer is a kit you solder and assemble yourself. Real engineering, real fun. Race it on a track with power-ups: bananas spin you out, mushrooms give you a speed boost, blue splashes slow you down.

It ships pre-programmed so you race the moment you're done building. When you're ready for more, the firmware is fully open source and hackable.

New to soldering? Most builders finish in under an hour, even first-timers. Volume discount: buy 2+ and get 10% off.

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★★★★★ "Super fun! My kids have been loving them. Fairly easy to put together for someone with basic electronics experience." — Nate

As Seen In

How It Works

Build it together. Race it together.

  1. Open the kit and assemble the car — basic soldering, about an hour start to finish.
  2. Set up the track and drop the magnetic power-ups wherever you want.
  3. Race with the iOS app or the Thumbtroller (included in Racer + Controller kit).
  4. When you're ready, crack open the firmware and make it do whatever you want.

Power-ups aren't just for video games anymore.

The Micro Racer sees colors and senses magnetic tracks. Drop a power-up on the track and the car reacts instantly.

🍌 Yellow Banana — spins your car out of control
🍄 Red Mushroom — burst of speed
💧 Blue Splash — temporary slowdown

Rearrange the power-ups between races to keep every lap different. Kids figure this out immediately.

Go deeper when you're ready.

Micro Racer runs on an ESP32-H2 — the same chip used in professional IoT devices. The firmware is fully open source, so when the racing gets old (it won't), you can:

  • Change the LED colors to whatever you want
  • Modify how power-ups work
  • Write entirely new behaviors
  • Learn embedded systems the fun way — by breaking things and fixing them

The Pro Kit includes access to our private community with engineering walkthroughs, live Q&A sessions, and courses on firmware, hardware design, and embedded systems.

Tech Specs

  • ESP32-H2 microcontroller (on both the racer and the Thumbtroller)
  • RGB LED headlights and taillights (customizable via button press)
  • Color sensor + magnetic sensor for power-up detection
  • 4 motor drivers for precise control
  • On-board charger for both devices
  • USB-C debug port for firmware updates
  • Magnetic power-up set included
  • Pre-programmed — assemble and race immediately
  • Fully open source hardware and firmware

Choose Your Kit

Feature Lite Kit Pro Kit
iOS App Control ✓ ✓
Physical Controller ✕ ✓
Assembly Required ✓ ✓
Courses Included ✕ ✓
Early YouTube Video Access ✕ ✓
Community Access ✕ ✓

Assembly Sneak Peak

Rather just race?

We get it. You can order the Micro Racer fully assembled — same car, same power-ups, same fun. You still get all the perks.

Buy Assembled

30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Not happy? Return it within 30 days for a full refund. No questions asked.

Get a Racer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this actually fun, or is it just educational?

It's genuinely fun. Kids race for hours. The learning happens because they're curious about how it works, not because we force it.

Is soldering required?

Yes, simple soldering is required to connect a few wires. The build is beginner-friendly, and the videos guide you through the process.

What age is this for?

We recommend 8+ with a parent. The soldering is basic, and building together is the whole point. Teenagers and adults enjoy it just as much.

What’s included in the kit?

Lite kit includes:

1x Micro Racer populated PCB
1x Power-ups and obstacle set
1x Micro Racer color sensor PCB
4x 6mm planetary motor (custom 2000 RPM motors)
1x 3D printed chassis set
1x 300mAh LIPO
1x USB-C cable
1x Set of Assembly materials
Step-by-step build guides with Damian, aka StuckAtPrototype, from YouTube

Pro kit includes everything in the Lite Kit plus:

Lifetime access to private engineering community ($149 value, included with purchase)
1x Thumbtroller populated PCB
1x 3D printed Thumbtroller case
1x 300mAh LIPO
1x USB-C cable

When will it ship?

When sold out, ships within 14 days unless otherwise stated. We make them in small quantities right in our own lab.

Can I modify the firmware or hardware?

Absolutely. The Micro Racer is fully open source. Both the firmware and hardware are available for you to explore, modify, and expand.

What’s included in the learning content?

You’ll get access to:

1. The full Embedded Systems Primer Course
2. Step-by-step build videos
3. Deep engineering breakdowns
4. Live Q&As and project support
5. A growing library of advanced content

What is the community?

The community is a private space where builders like you share ideas, ask questions, join live sessions, and level up their skills. It’s valued at $149, but included free with your PRO kit.

What if I’m not happy with the kit?

You’re covered by our 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you’re not thrilled, just return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. No questions asked.

What if something goes wrong during assembly?

Message me directly. I designed it and I'll help you fix it. contact@stuckatprototype.com

A Big Thank You

A genuine thank you to everyone who followed, commented, and pushed me to make this real. This journey has been incredible and I can't wait to get these into your hands.
- Damian aka StuckAtPrototype from Youtube

We Didn't Say This...

I recently finished making one from scratch, the car is an absolute blast to play with. If you enjoy playing Mario Karts then you will love playing with this car. I enjoyed the building process just as much as playing with it. That being said, if soldering tiny components isn't your thing then definitely give the prebuilt KIT a try, you will absolutely love it.
Alaeddin H

  • 5 stars: 9 (90%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (10%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
R
Rick Stephens

So far the parts all seem to be included and the controller was a straight forward assembly. I apparently missed the part about soldering being required for the assembly of the racer, doI haven't attempted it yet. While it is only 8 connections to solder, the wires are thin and in a tight arrangement for someone not super comfortable soldering. For an experienced solderer it's probably a piece of cake though.

Rick Stephens review photo
C
Charles Shapiro

Came together with almost no trouble. I plan to hack on it when I get a chance.

Thank you Charles! I'd love to see what you come up with!

M
Michael Jorgeson

This kit was great. I got 2 and built them alongside my kids. We all loved the experience and the real life racing with mario kart type mechanics was lots of fun.

I'm hoping this is the first step into the world of STEM they take.

Love this! I hope so too! Sciences and engineering is I'd argue the most important field in the world! It literally serves everything else. Thanks for sharing this Michael!

Z
ZZsurf

kids like it

Nice! My kids go crazy for them as well. It made them even more interested in electronics. Thanks for the review!

H
Herson Santos

Best project ever I really enjoyed this little cars

Thank you Herson! I am glad you like it!

S
Sebastian

This is my first soldering project, and I managed to put together both racers with a soldering iron borrowed from a friend :D would highly recommend

Thanks so much Sebastian! I am glad you like it :)

E
Eduardo

The most awesome "toy" I have! On top of that, open source, programmable...

Thanks Eduardo! I have a lot of fun updates coming very soon! :)

N
Nate A.

Super fun! My kids have been loving them. Fairly easy to put together for someone with basic electronics experience.

Thanks Nate! My older son learned to solder on this project :) I am glad you and the kids enjoy them!

B
Brad S

A great product simple enough to complete the assembly with basic solder skills. Can't wait for the hours of entertainment to follow.

Thanks Brad! I am glad you found it simple to assemble and solder :)

J
Jeff L.

It's such a neat little thing. Endless possibilities and a great learning tool. Also surprisingly quick for how little it is.

If you like to tinker this is definitely for you.

Thanks Jeff! I am glad you like them and I am glad I was able to find the right balance of speed! :)

From My Lab to Your Workbench

Every Micro Racer is built in small runs in my lab and packed by hand before it ships.

This is not a mass-produced gadget. It's a project I designed, tested, and refined myself. When you order, it comes directly from my workbench to yours.

I'm proud to make these kits in the USA and stand behind every one.

— Damian, StuckAtPrototype

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