Some Inspiring Pictures

Here's one of my favorite derby cars I've seen on the internet:

I put up a bunch of cool ones in my photostream at Flickr.com.  Follow click here to see them.

Design Ideas - Car Blueprints

A quick tip for anyone looking for design ideas or patterns:  All these dudes (and dudesses) out there making computer models of cars like to start with a good reference, thus there are large databases on the internet of car "blueprints". 
Here is one of the best:
http://www.the-blueprints.com/blueprints/cars/

It might just get your mind going, or you could use these blueprints as straightforward patterns.  Good luck!
P.S.  You need to create an account to view these images, but it's free.

P.W. Derby Flyer

I'll just put up a copy of the flyer so anyone can get the basic info about our derby.

Each car entered in a Stock-Class race must first pass an inspection.  please read the rules on the flyer and the notes below.   

STOCK CLASS NOTES -

1.  To be clear: rule 10 is meant to affirm that you CAN do things like shape your wheels or hone your axles so long as you are only using the materials that come in the official pinewood derby car kit.

2.  Unless you are going for a really light car (which is not advisable), you will need additional weight to bring your car up to 5 oz.  You may use anything you want to add weight to your car so long as it still meets the dimensional requirements.  For example, if you want to purchase special weights that they have at the True Value store, that's fine, or if you want to use a lead guy in your driver's seat... go for it.  Some people use lead shot and I've seen some people tape a silver dollar on the top.  Whatever works for you.

3.  You may add plastic fenders, star wars figures and other things  to make your car look cool, but only to enhance the appearance of your car.  You MUST still use the pine block as the body that holds the axles.  This may seem like it contradicts other rules, but as long as the additions to the car are purely aesthetic, we're okay with it.  Also, remember to stay within the dimensional parameters.  

4. Remember, that the best-design trophy is heavily weighted towards craftsmanship and creativity.  Plastic fenders may not win you lots of points. 

OPEN CLASS NOTES

1.  We sincerely hope that many will want to enter the open class, but we must inform you that you will likely only be able to race on our alternate, wooden track.  The stock class will be given priority, and will be first in line to race on the aluminum, precision-timed track.

2.  As is stated in the rules, there are very few restrictions as to what you can do to make your car fast, but there is one: NO FIRE.  i.e. no estes model rocket engines or fireworks strapped to the side of a block of wood etc.

If you have questions about the derby please contact me (Allen Renfroe).