Racing Tubes
Materials List
1 - 10' long section PVC pipe, 1 1/4" inside diameter (cut into two 5' sections)
2 - PVC pipe connectors for above size pipe
4 - Small plastic containers with lids
Tools Used
Hacksaw
Cordless or electric drill
1/4" drill bit
1 1/2" hole saw drill bit
Instructions
Purchase one - 10' section of PVC pipe, specifications above. Cut it into two equal halves, 5' in length.
On the top halve of each pipe drill three rows of 1/4" holes for air circulation and viewing. Drill 1/4" air holes in the lids of each plastic bowl. In one side of each plastic bowl drill a 1 1/2" hole for the ends of the pipe. Cut each connector in half to make 4 connectors. Smooth all rough edges with sand paper or a file. A potato peeler makes an excellent tool to smooth edges on the large holes.
Insert ends of tubes into plastic bowls. Put a connector on each tube to keep it from sliding back out of the bowl.
Put the lids on the plastic bowls at one end of the tubes only.
Get two of your hamsters.
Put one into each bowl without a lid at the same time and release them. Put the lids on the bowls.
See which one runs to the opposite end first.
Let the hamsters do several races. If motivation is needed put a treat in the bowls at one end.
 
Racing Tubes - Full Length - 5 feet long.

 
Close up view of the containers and the hamsters at one end.
 
Ground level view, here's the winner!