Raider Derby Downhill Car Racing Rules

Registration: All racers must register in advance for programs and car numbers. A car may only be registered once in a class. All racers must check in beginning at than 7:30am to confirm registration and car inspection.

Official Inspection: Your car must pass inspection no later than 9am by an official before you may compete. Special attention will be given to axles, wheels, steering and brakes.

Safety Check: An official safety check will determine that all entries meet safety concerns (i.e. no loose weights, solid construction, etc.) All decisions are final. DOT-approved full-face helmet and long sleeve shirts MUST be worn by all drivers, including adults. Drivers must fit into the vehicle and be able to operate brakes and steering. Drivers must maintain a line of sight that assures safe navigation. The driver’s head cannot be in front of their feet, no lying in forward positions will be allowed. The driver’s body must be 50% in the car all times or you will be disqualified.

The Starting Ramp: The starting ramp is raised to equal heights according to the track.

Starting: Cars must start by gravity from a standstill, at a starting line, on the track or a special starting ramp without help. No pushing will be allowed. Heats will be started with the cars positioned so that their rear axles will be the starting points.

Finish: The car whose rear axle is over the finish line first according to the decision of the judges is the winner.

Divisions: There will be one or two youth classes, age 7-10, age 11-15 and a one adult class age 16 and up. An award will also be given for Best Looking Car.

Re-Races: Re-races will be considered for the following reasons: interference from spectators, obstacles, other cars entering your lane, etc.

Car Specs – Car Dimensions: Height from the track to car’s bottom: Minimum 3”, Maximum 7” Maximum car length: 120” | Maximum car width: 48” | Maximum weight, youth cars: 110 lbs. Maximum weight adult cars: 140 lbs | Maximum wheelbase: 72” long, 48” wide | Minimum wheelbase: 48” long, 36” wide.

Wheels & Axles: Wheels can be purchased online/at Northern Tool or Amazon.
Wheel size: 12.5” with a ½” axle bore. Axle size: ½” diameter, 36-48” long. Hub width: 2.5” Four wheels and two axles must be used. Questionable wheels will be swapped. Four wheels must be run on the car, two front and two rear. All four wheels must touch the ground at all times. Two extra wheels for duals in the rear are optional. Wheels must be visible for inspection at all times.

Brakes: All cars must have a safe and effective braking system.

  1. The brake must be equipped with a single drag brake stopping the car safely; no other type of brake is permitted.
  2. Design the brake so that when pulled up it will meet the 3”ground clearance rule and the surface must be rubber faced and 6 square inches of material must touch the ground when pulled.

Steering: The steering system must be designed and installed within the car in order to ensure easy, positive control and safe operation. No foot steering is allowed.

Car Body & Frame: The body of the car must be made out of wood, fiberglass, or plastic. No glass or other materials that shatter (causing injuries to drivers and spectators) will be allowed.

  1. The frame must be made out of wood.
  2. No open floors on the frame will be allowed.
  3. No prefabricated vehicles will be allowed. The inspection official will rule on any questionable cars.

Car Numbers: A car number must be displayed on the body of the car. Number availability will be first come, first serve. Reserve your number with a paid application.