Conway EcoFest Cardboard Car Derby Intro/Entry Form

Download Conway EcoFest Cardboard Car Derby Intro/Entry Form and Rules and Regulations (PDF)

RULES AND REGULATIONS Conway EcoFest: Cardboard Car Derby September 14, 2013

Purpose:

To promote teamwork at home, work, or play, as well as demonstrate the intrinsic worth of discarded, recyclable and/or reused materials, The event is similar to the gravity propelled Soap Box Derbies and cardboard sled events (no engines).

This Derby is not sanctioned by any recognized competition agency and is intended as an enjoyable event for all ages. 

Participation is open to businesses, organizations, youth groups, students, and adults. The two Derby Divisions: Youth 8-17 (drivers); and Adult, 18+ (drivers). Awards for a variety of efforts will be presented, as designed below. 

AWARDS: 

Awards will be presented shortly after the Derby. All participants will receive recognition and an opportunity to showcase their efforts. Cardboard Cars must stay on the premises until the end of the event (3 p.m.) unless prior approval has been given by organizers. 

Overall winner will be based on the FURTHEST DISTANCE. 

Unique trophies will be awarded to at least the first place finishers in both the adult and youth categories. Ribbons and special recognition will be presented to the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each division in the furthest distance category ; all participants will receive certificates. 

Other surprise awards may be presented, but shall be done on the whim of the judges!!

REGISTRATION (Application) DEADLINE: Monday, Sept. 9th 

Online registration (www.conwayecofest.com ) is preferred. Signed liability forms (see below) may be brought to the Derby beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

There will be NO day of event registration without prior approval of event coordinators (contact us through our Web site or contact Debbie at 472-0901) 

NOTE: If you are entering two drivers for the same car, please submit two applications.

LIABILITY WAIVERS: 

A signed entry form and liability waiver is required from all entrants/drivers (last page of this document). If you have applied online, you may just bring the form with you to the EcoFest Derby. Minors must have a parent or guardian sign the entry form/liability release, and have a responsible adult in attendance; 

DIVISIONS and DRIVERS:

Divisions are Youth Drivers (8-17) and Adult Drivers (18 and up).

Drivers must be at least eight years old; 

Drivers must have participated in the construction of the car in some way;

All drivers must wear protective headgear (DOT certified helmet and protective gear is preferred). Protective clothing and pads are recommended but not mandatory. 

Each driver will be allowed at least one practice run;

Each driver is guaranteed a minimum of two competitive runs;

A maximum of two (2) separate drivers may use the same vehicle to race (each should complete an application);

No reckless driving is permitted.

DAY OF RACE

Sept. 14, 2013

CHECK-IN, AND SAFETY CHECKS; 

NOTE:  The times listed below may be adjusted a bit, depending on the number of entries received. Approximately two weeks prior to the EcoFest, you will be notified of the exact time and location of where to unload. Please watch the Web site, www.conwayecofest.com, too.

Check-in and Safety Inspection at 9:30 a.m. at the south parking lot of Laurel Park

A “Safety Board/Derby Marshals” comprised of at least two adult volunteers will be established to determine if entries meet the requirement and intent of the Conway EcoFest’s Cardboard Car Derby guidelines. All decisions made by the Safety Board are final.

Drivers must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the “Safety Board/Derby Marshals” that the braking and steering systems are functional, the cart is structurally sound, and the driver can operate the cart.

Practice runs start between 10 - 10:15 a.m. The Derby starts at approx. 11:00 a.m....please check back closer to the event date to learn of any modifications to the time as it may vary slightly depending on the number of entries. 

Cars/vehicles MUST REMAIN ON DISPLAY ON THE GROUNDS in a specifically designed area UNTIL 3 P.M. unless prior arrangements have been made with organizers.

Awards ceremony to follow the completion of the Derby.

CONSTRUCTION

Chassis and Propulsion: 

1. No drive power mechanisms. Gravity propulsion only.
2. Any and all ballast (weight) must be securely fastened to the car.
3. No go-cart chassis’s, bed frames, wheelchairs, bicycles or skateboards. The EcoFest’s “Safety Board/Derby Marshals” will rule on any questionable entries. Time and distance penalties will be applied for each infraction. Their decisions are final.
4.  SIZE REQUIREMENTS (the car body must surround the driver, no open cars (without car bodies) will be allowed to compete)
   1. Length: Cars must not exceed 84 inches in length; the length of the wheelbase must be a minimum of 60 inches. IMPORTANT: The car body should not protrude more than 2” past the tires (not past the front of front tires, or back of the back tires). If it does, it must be a minimum of 16” off the ground in order to safely clear the transition ramps. Winners will be based on when the wheels cross the finish lines. 
   2. Width: The maximum width of the car and the wheelbase (exterior of wheel-to-wheel) must not exceed 32 inches, and the minimum width of the wheelbase must not fall below 28 inches. 
   3. Wheels: Must be 10” hard plastic wheels. EcoFest has a limited supply of these on hand, and will be provided at our cost. Order early as it is first come, first serve. We can order more if we get sufficient orders, no later than August 1st. 
   4. Order through our Web site, or call Debbie at 472-0901.
   5. NOTE: The launching ramp is 19’ long and will be placed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees – please keep this in mind when designing your vehicle.  
   6. Anyone interested in checking the clearance before race day, may contact us not later than three weeks prior to event to arrange a test run 
   7.  Braking Systems: All vehicles must have an adequate braking system (rear-wheel brakes are recommended). Drivers will need to demonstrate the ability to safely and quickly stop the car in order to qualify and participate in the derby. 
5. The vehicle must be made of all paper products with the exception of the steering and braking systems, wheels, and wheel mounts. The front axle should be built to withstand holding your vehicle at a 45-degree angle on the ramp (for a few minutes) while preparing for the race.The truer the vehicle is to the intent of the Derby cars (paper and cardboard), the more bonus points your vehicle will earn.
6. The monetary outlay (if any) to construct these vehicles should be very minimal because recycled/reused materials are encouraged … not to exceed $50. If strong cardboard or cores are needed and you can’t find any appropriate paper/cardboard, you may contact Jimmy at Age Industries to pick some up. Keep in mind, the construction tips mentioned in #8, will provides tips on how to strengthen cardboard, even if you can’t locate cores or thick cardboard. 
7. Tips for cutting cardboard tubes, making strong corners, and general construction tips for working with cardboard, can be found on our Web site, www.ConwayEcoFest.com.        
8. Duct tape may be used, but no fiberglass, enamel paint, or compounds that are harmful to the environment may be used. All vehicles must be either reused or recycled when its useful life is over. Owners will be responsible for doing so. 
9. Keep (and bring) a pictorial of the construction phase of your vehicle … this will be a great keepsake for you, too!
10. If you want some tips on simple designed carts, please contact us and we will provide a few easy tips on HOW TO build a chassis.

General Info.

• Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated. Good Sportsmanship is required both from participants and spectators.The event is intended as enjoyment for all and is not sanctioned by any recognized competition agency.
• Personal safety of all drivers and spectators is of the utmost importance.
• Have fun designing and building your Derby car over the summer! 
• See you at the races for a lot of good old-fashioned fun & ingenuity!

Cardboard Car Derby Application