Turns out there are a lot of crappy build it yourself toy race cars on the market. We built one with a solar powered motor but based on the design it will never go and there are no controls.
The other looks equally disfunctional based on the car components and amazon reviews (note none of the 4 or 5 star ratings have reviews!)
https://www.amazon.com/KLUTZ-Wired-Remote-Race-Science/dp/1338271253
That said, the car design and materials seem to be the problem, not the motors or wiring. If anyone wants to play with either or both I'd love to pass them on.
Pick up near 18th and Independence.