File:2012 Great Moonbuggy Race Course Map.png

The NASA Great Moonbuggy Race course and specific obstacles vary slightly in detail from year to year. This outline gives participants a general idea of the course layout.

• The starting line is located under the space shuttle, near the “Pits” Area where moonbuggies are inspected and repaired. Obstacle 1 is under the space shuttle.
• Next, the course slopes up slightly on a paved path that leads to Obstacle 2, travels over a hill, and then slopes downward to Obstacle 3.
• A sharp turn to the left leads through the U.S Space & Rocket Center’s rocket display area to Obstacles 4 and 5.
• The course turns sharply to the right, remaining on asphalt and moving uphill through Obstacles 6, 7, and 8.
• At the end of this straight section, a sharp turn brings participants to Obstacles 9 and 10, on the circular downhill path leading to the lunar crater area.
• The course veers left into the permanent crater area and Obstacle 11. Racers must take a 360-degree, clockwise turn around this simulated lunar surface. Its largest interior crater includes a challenging 18-inch (45 cm) change in terrain.
• Exiting the crater area, moonbuggies turn right toward Obstacles 12, 13, and 14, on a path that starts flat, then slopes uphill. At the last of these obstacles, it slopes downward again. Speed bumps help slow descent.
• Finally, the course takes a left turn as racers enter the shuttle area and tackle Obstacles 15, 16, and 17 before reaching the finish line.