Hosting a pine wood derby can seem very daunting, but that should not stop you. The goal of this article is to help you organize things in the step by step manner that makes things easy and fun!
Set the Date:
Choose a date that is convenient for you and your demographic. There is not a set time for these races to happen.
Choose the Prizes and Categories:
When choosing these it is good to consider what you are trying to accomplish with this race. Is it just a group thing, a family thing, a fundraiser, or something else? These goals will determine your age ranges, and the level of prizes you choose to offer.
EX: A family event would have categories for under 5, 6-9, and 10-12, as well as a teen and adult category. Prizes could range from candy and a certificate to a trophy, or from a fruit basket to dinner out on the town.
This section of your planning will really set the tone for the entire race, so plan carefully.
Advertise:
Advertising is the number one way people will participate or attend a derby. Here is a small list of medias that can spread the word. You can advertise on Facebook, through fliers, word of mouth, email, and texting your friends. Also, if you have some place you can announce it in person you should consider it.
Find Contestants:
When advertising set a contestant date, and when they should contact you by. Limit your first race to 20 cars if you do not have a lot of help. It can be aggravating to keep who wins what straight.
A good way to encourage good workmanship is to offer prizes for both best of show, and speed. You may also want to split the group into age categories, because you wouldn't want 5 year olds and adults competing against each other (so long as the five year old really made their own car.)
Hand Out Rules:
There are several standard rules, and some optional ones that you will want to hand out with each contestants acceptance. These rules must be strictly adhered to, so the contest is fair and even for all who are entering the race.
Prepare Cars:
If doing this as a group be sure that you allow 2-3 weeks for sanding, cutting, painting and weighing. You will also need a scale for your derby cars. Have all materials available where you will meet, and be sure that safety is a primary concern. Paints, saws, tools, and chemicals all have their own risks when put around children.
If you would like your contestants to work at home, be sure they have about a month to work on their cars before the race. This would be a good option for an adult category.
Build the Track
Building a derby track can be quite industrious. If you choose not to do that you can purchase a track. Basic track starts around five hundred dollars.
Getting Help:
It is really important that you have help to do the little things that need to be done while you are racing. They can also help with set up, take down, personal greetings upon arrival, and decorations.
Run the Race:
The time has come, and here you go. Race 2-4 cars at a time, and save the first and second place cars. Race them again, and keep only the first place cars. Do the same with the next set until all cars have had a chance to race. Then re-run the first place cars until a winner is determined.
Closing:
Thank all the participants, hand out the prizes, and let them know about your plans for the next race.
Rebecca Weber - Kids are our future!
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