Pinewood Derby at the $2012 Challenge?

After reading, and thoroughly enjoying, the recent thread on building a Pinewood Derby car, I propose a Pinewood Derby component to the $2012 Challenge, maybe even as an evening event.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/pinewood-derby-cars-grm-style/43873/page1/

The rules could be simple: Everyone is restricted to the same kit for the block of wood and wheels, a specified maximum weight, and no more than $12 to cover expenses. Everything else (wheelbase, nails, modification of the wheels, etc...) is wide open to innovation.

Illegal wagering would be expected and encouraged.

Who has a track that they could bring to the Friday night deal?

Pinewood challenge = The $20.12 Challenge.

This would be awesome!

N Sperlo wrote: Pinewood challenge = The $20.12 Challenge.

Awesome.

So you said everyone had to use the same block and wheels. Any specification on how many wheels? I'd love to see someone try to build a perfectly balanced two wheeler...a la left front and right rear...

Valve cover racing used to be a minor event at car shows around here.

Klayfish wrote:

N Sperlo wrote: Pinewood challenge = The $20.12 Challenge.

Awesome. So you said everyone had to use the same block and wheels. Any specification on how many wheels?

Shhhhhh!.......

N Sperlo wrote: Pinewood challenge = The $20.12 Challenge.

That's far too extravagant.

I might be able to swing a Derby car. My intended Challenge Super Beetle is on hold due to space/time/budget issues.

This could become an option for someone who, say, may not be able to trailer a Challenge car from Connecticut to Florida, but might find himself taking the family on vacation around that time.

We'd be down for it, but need someone to bring the track and timing or whatever it is you use to tell which car is the winner.

Timing equipment? I'll bring my Mark I Eyeball.

Alan Cesar wrote: Timing equipment? I'll bring my Mark I Eyeball.

You're forgetting how long a group a GRMers can argue about something trivial.

Shurley, there must be a boy scout pack locally enough with one they could loan out.

If we go with a valve cover racing setup, I know a guy.

Miata valve covers are pretty wide.

I have friends who do rocket car racing once a year. General rule?: Build a car to transport a 12oz adult beverage and power it with a rocket engine toward a target

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uszaHq3AuYA

or grudge racing....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6zcYkgUy1A

Gasoline wrote: I have friends who do rocket car racing once a year. General rule?: Build a car to transport a 12oz adult beverage and power it with a rocket engine toward a target

Then I suggest the 40oz upgrade.

I can see this inebriated bunch around a PWD track now. Wonder if the Hongs will have blazing bullhorns?

Wow, something I actually know something about!

I might be able to bring a track.

You're gonna need a few more rules. Trust me.

I suggest adopting one of the local BSA guidelines. They've done hundreds of thousands of them, and there is a very good reason most of their rules exist.

SVreX wrote: You're gonna need a few more rules. Trust me. I suggest adopting one of the local BSA guidelines. They've done hundreds of thousands of them, and there is a very good reason most of their rules exist.

I disagree. Make it open. Bring a car that doesn't contain any motors or rockets or anything else to propel it. make it fit in this box. Make it weigh less than X - GO.

In reply to tuna55:

and cost less than $12?

imirk wrote: In reply to tuna55: and cost less than $12?

Yeah, I'd say $20.12, but that's just my opinion.

I hear by nominate Svrex as king poobah of the First Annual Inaugural Grassroots Motorsports $20.12 Challenge, presented by Log from Blammo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP0kWqJJZa4

(I also recommend using other people's rules-with the caveat that cars must look like GRM-type cars--and even better if they look like your challenge car)

Remember, this will be done inside, in a public place, where there will be small children, etc. So, safe is good.