How to Beat Level 172 in Drive Mad

Drive Mad Level 172, called Catapult, is a launch-and-landing level where the truck is thrown forward by a springboard-like platform. The hard part is not triggering the launch. It is controlling the truck's balance after takeoff so you can land safely and keep driving to the finish.

Quick Answer

Drive onto the catapult plank to trigger the launch, then focus on keeping the truck balanced in the air. A slight reverse input during the flight can help fight the forward inertia and make the landing smoother. Once you land cleanly, drive straight to the finish.

Why Level 172 Feels Hard

Read the full Drive Mad all levels guide → Start Playing Drive Mad → Need the previous stage? Read Level 171 → Want the next stage? Read Level 173 →

This level feels tricky because the launch happens quickly, but the result depends on how balanced the truck is when it comes down. A bad takeoff position or uncontrolled forward tilt can make the truck crash or flip on landing. The launch is automatic, but the landing still depends on your timing and patience.

Core Judgment

Level 172 is a timing and balance level. The key is to trigger the catapult from a workable position, control the truck's tilt during the flight, and land smoothly enough to continue to the finish.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Drive Mad Level 172

Step 1: Drive onto the catapult plank and trigger the launch

Move the truck onto the launch plank to activate the catapult. You may need a few tries to find the best starting position on the platform, because that affects how cleanly the truck gets thrown forward.

Do not rush the setup. A more controlled trigger usually gives you a more manageable flight.

Drive Mad Level 172 truck driving onto a catapult plank before being launched — Get onto the launch plank cleanly so the catapult throws the truck in a controllable way.

Step 2: Manage the balance in the air and land smoothly

Once the truck is launched, focus on balance instead of panic. If the nose starts pitching too far forward, a slight reverse input can help fight the inertia and make the landing more stable.

After you touch down cleanly, the hard part is over. Just keep the truck upright and drive forward to the finish.

Drive Mad Level 172 truck landing after being launched by the catapult — A controlled landing is the real goal. Slight reverse input in the air can help settle the truck.

Best Cue for Consistent Clears

Launch first, stabilize second. The level becomes much easier once you stop treating the catapult as the finish and start treating the landing as the real challenge.

Why This Method Works

This method works because the catapult provides enough force on its own. What decides the clear is whether the truck stays balanced during the jump and lands on its wheels. Testing the starting position improves the launch angle, and a slight reverse input during flight helps reduce forward rotation so the landing feels safer.

Common Mistakes in Drive Mad Level 172

Treating the launch like the hard part and ignoring the landing.
Using a bad starting position on the catapult plank.
Letting the truck rotate too far forward in the air.
Not using slight reverse input to fight the inertia when needed.
Getting impatient instead of testing the launch a few times.

Fast Summary

Drive onto the catapult plank.
Trigger the launch from a good position.
Control the truck's balance in the air.
Use slight reverse input to fight forward inertia if needed.
Land smoothly and drive to the finish.

FAQ

How do you beat Level 172 in Drive Mad?

Trigger the catapult by driving onto the plank, keep the truck balanced during the jump, then land smoothly and drive to the finish.

Why do I fail in Catapult?

Most failures happen because the truck lands badly after the launch, usually from too much forward rotation or a poor takeoff position.

Should I use reverse in Level 172?

Yes, a slight reverse input during the flight can help fight the inertia and make the landing more stable.

What is the key trick in Drive Mad Level 172?

The key trick is finding a good launch position and then controlling the truck's balance in the air so it lands on its wheels.