Hiram’s Derby will return to Paragon Lodge in the future. We are still working out details for the next derby and trying to be considerate of the ever changing feelings and concerns regarding Covid and large gatherings. Please let us know if you are interested in another Derby and we will keep you up to date.
Thanks,
Paragon Lodge Officers
Join Paragon Lodge on March 14, 2020 for a great Brother versus Brother, Lodge versus Lodge racing event. We will be pitting the wood working, engineering, and competitive skills of Brethren against each other in a friendly pinewood derby race. Race for the chance to say you are the king of pinewood cars, or that your lodge can leave others in their sawdust.
This event will have two racing divisions, one for adults and one for children (14 and under). There are also chances to register race teams so that you can race for the glory of your lodge or other Masonic organization. But to keep it really exciting, on the day of the race, you will be able to call out other racers for one-on-one heads up races.
Teams are composed of groups of 4 cars. Teams do not need to be registered in advance, but may be declared day of the derby during weigh in.
Below is the packet for registering either an individual or team for the derby. The cost for an individual is $10. Get your registration in early so that you have more time to work on your cars! Regis should be sent to WM Josh Anderson, his information is available on the form.
FAQ
What prizes will there be?
Detailed prizes have not been announced yet, but bragging rights are assured.
I want to race on a team and for personal glory, what do I do?
Register with a team to be on a team. Racing for individual glory can be done with your team car, or if you really want you can register a second car and double your chances of winning.
Are there a bunch of rules?
Of course there are rules, see them below.
I like to eat, will there be food at the derby?
Hey, we’re Masons here, so of course food is a part of our life. There will be a pancake breakfast the morning of the derby. Cost of the breakfast is a donation.
What are call out races?
A call out race is when someone challenges a person to a one-on-one race (or 3 racers against each other) to see who has the faster car on a single run. We ask that for each racer in a call out a $1 donation to Paragon be made.
Hiram’s Derby Rules
- Car Dimension Rules
- Overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches
- Overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches
- The car must have 1 ¾ inch clearance between the wheels
- The car must have 3/8 inch clearance underneath the body
- Car Weight Rules
- The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces
- The race scale used at weigh in shall be considered final
- Car Modification Rules
- The provided wood block must be used, and may be shaped in any way that does not violate any other rule
- The provided wheels must be used. They may not be cut, drilled, beveled, or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
- The axles may not be bent
- Axles may be polished, deburred and dry lubricated but must be left otherwise untouched
- Axles may be canted for alignment purposes.
- The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices or forms of propulsion.
- Only dry lubricant is permitted.
- The car shall not ride on spring
- Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited
- All 4 wheels of the car must touch the track
- Design and Appearance
- All embellishments shall be affixed to the car in a manner that will not result in dislodgement during races.
- Any additions to the car will not cause the car to violate dimension or weight rules.
- No part of the car may extend past the starting gate of the track
- All cars should be family appropriate in their appearance and not violate Masonic standards
- The panel of judges shall have final determination on awards for best design.
- Team Rules
- A team shall consist of 4 cars registered as a team
- Only the cars registered as a part of the team shall be used in calculating team points
- A car that does not race, fails to complete a race, or is disqualified shall result in zero points for the team
- All team cars must conform to all other rules of the derby
- Other Rules and Guidelines
- Each car must pass inspection at weigh in. If a car does not meet qualifications the racer may make adjustments to it and resubmit for inspection.
- No alterations to a car may be made after clearing weigh-in inspection. Application of dry lubricant (ie graphite) is allowed still.
- The race director shall arbitrate any question of the rules or contest results and his decision shall be final.
- These rules may be modified as necessary prior to race day.