Derby Talk

Each year we look to improve our GrandPrix Race Manager software. The 2024 version is our best yet. There are several new and improved features. For a list of what's new, check out https://grandprix-software-central.com/ ... ts_new.php.

Seems that the registration deadline has already past. If you are in the neighborhood, it might be fun to stop in and see the action. https://www.walworthcountyfairgrounds.com/5000-pinewood-derby-showdown https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/658b86cdedde3b4ff4c6073f/66be8045bc84a2515bb00526_Tuesday%2C...

Might help to provide details on the track. Aluminum or Wood? Brand of track, if not DIY? Length? Brand and model of timer? Photos? I think this Craigslist listing shows the aforementioned track. Looks like a MicroWizard Freedom. If that is the case, then that's a good deal. Personally, I would mod...

Might help to provide details on the track. Aluminum or Wood? Brand of track, if not DIY? Length? Brand and model of timer?

Photos?

Most infrared timers have issues with too much sunlight and are not intended for outdoor events.

That's quite the build. Good job!

I recommend storing the timer separate from the track. If I was starting all over again, I would consider a "stackable wheeled tool chest" set... if the largest (bottom) box could accommodate the Q-series timer. I have done some research on this, and have determined that the Husky 22 in. ...

Vitamin K wrote: ↑Wed May 01, 2024 6:41 am Must be an attack from the Slot-Car mafia.

Yep. They are trying to run laps around us.

I imagine something more sinister, like nano-probes to assimilate us.

Not sure if you noticed the site running sluggish lately. Turns out it was a Bot attack. Hopefully, the resolution will keep the bad bots at bay.

Do you have any information regarding how the curve is bent? There's something on the challenger track plans about a template, but it doesn't seem to be in the PDF. I'd hate to destroy the lanes attempting to bend them. :O Sorry, I posted all of the information that I have on that track. It does me...

The "Challenger" looks like the clearest plan and easiest to follow, especially since it assumes the use of the betacraft track segments. I'm not quite sure how it handles curving the segments, though. I wonder how hard it would be to adapt the Challenger plans to a curve design that mimi...

FatSebastian wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:03 pm

gpraceman wrote: ↑Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:47 amThere are other advantages of the "Quick Pack" track over the old design, but I thought I would address the length issue.

Your informative review can be found here.

I guess that I didn't disclose the extent of my involvement in that redesign back then.

I believe the original Piantedosi Oars wooden-track sections were 8' long, as that was the dimension of the lumber, but today you'll notice that manufacturers of metal tracks cut their sections to be less than 8' to avoid oversize shipping charges. That might have had something to do with it, howev...

I'm certainly not discouraging building your own, I still might at some point, but as FatSebastian said those commercial aluminum tracks hold their resale value, if you buy one you are basically just renting it for a small fee and will get most of your investment back... On the other hand having wa...

There are other plans at https://grandprix-race-central.com/inde ... y/6-tracks. I rather liked the Pinewood Derby SuperSite plans.