Riley's Rascal Derby Race

Age Divisions:

Race Categories:

Speed: Speed cars will be timed, with a total time of all three heats determining the fastest 8 vehicles to advance to the Championship races. Championship races will be single elimination brackets, starting with quarterfinals, using standard seeding (ex. No 1 fastest vs No 8 fastest, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, and 4 vs 5). The highest seed will be given the choice of the lane. Losing vehicles from the semifinal round will race each other for 3rd place, while the winners will race for 1st and 2nd. Speed Cars cannot win Art Awards (ex. “Funniest Car”, “Most Creative” etc.)

1st Overall
2nd Overall
3rd Overall

Art: Their primary objective is creativity and to entertain, not winning a speed challenge. An art car is eligible to compete in qualifying races but not advance to the Championship Races. Art cars cannot win Speed Awards (ex. “1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall”) and will be judged collectively, not by divisions. 

Funniest Car
Most Creative
Spirit of Fort Riley

Is speed the only objective? No, the primary objective is to have FUN! This means fun for participants and bystanders. Teams may choose to focus on Art or Speed. Designing something outrageous, creative, or wild will add entertainment and amusement to the race.

Safety: We would like this to be an accident-free and fun event. If any vehicle is determined to be unsafe, or if any team is acting in an unsafe manner at any time, they may be disqualified at the discretion of the race organizers.

Derby Rules for Art and Speed Cars:

1.      Each driver must have a helmet securely attached to his/her head with the factory chin strap in working condition. Full face helmets are highly recommended but not required. Closed toed shoes are mandatory; we recommend long pants and other protective gear.

2.      Each team member must sign a liability waiver on race day.

3.      All efforts must be made to avoid contact with other cars while racing. Intentional bumping/rubbing is not allowed. Harmful contact will result in disqualification.

4.      Teams that are affected by unsafe contact will be given the opportunity to make a replacement run.

5.      Cell phones and driving do not mix. Please do not use any sort of mobile devices while driving.

6.      The Pit Boss will call you for the next race if you miss your call and are not queued up on time your team will not race that heat. If your team misses a heat, no time will be entered for your team for that heat.

7.      Absolutely nothing may be thrown from vehicles during the races.

8.      All vehicles will be inspected prior to the race. A performance-based test of steering, and stopping will be conducted. Vehicles must be constructed in a safe, workman-like manner and must be able to withstand the rigors of multiple race heats.

Car Requirements for Art and Speed:

1.      The vehicle may be no wider than 4 feet, and no longer than 8 feet.

2.      Each vehicle must be equipped with large eyebolts in the front and rear of the vehicle. These will be used to transport the vehicle back up the hill to the start of the race course.

3.      Your car must have a minimum of 3 wheels in contact with the ground at all times.

4.      Each car must have functional brakes. (No Fred Flintstone style brakes) Brakes must remain functional throughout the event to prevent disqualification.

5.      Each vehicle must be powered by gravity. No additional propulsion is permitted. This includes moveable weights, batteries, wind, solar, giant rubber bands, rocket engines, and anything else judges determine to be too sneaky!

6.      Luges or Skateboards do not qualify as a derby car. 

7.      “Head First” driver positions will not be allowed

8.      Automobile frames and automobile axels will not be allowed.

9.      Glass is not allowed in the construction of vehicles

10.  Any sheet metal edges must be folded over (hemmed) so sharp edges are not exposed.

11.  Vehicles must be steerable, capable of avoiding other cars, obstacles, and pedestrians.

RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE RACE COMMITTEE