The Rules
Machines are to be based on handheld power tools. A handheld power tool is a machine intended for handheld operation by one individual. A machine primarily used on a stationary mount, or rolled on wheels, or used by a group of people is not a hand tool for the purposes of this event. This event is limited to hand tools powered by standard 120 VAC electric power cords. Examples of hand tools are machines like belt sanders, angle grinders, circular saws, drills, chainsaws, weed wackers, vibrators, etc. Examples of things that are NOT hand tools are things like lawnmowers, floor sanders, generators, bench grinders, etc. No vehicles built from RC cars allowed, because they are boring.
AC electrical cords will be 100′ long per lane, originating at the starting line. They will have standard Edison 3-prong connectors. You will be responsible for connecting your racer to the cord and laying it alongside the track for your run. No spools or cord guides allowed, but duct tape will be provided so you can tape the connector together. Tangles or poor cord feed are your responsibility.
Eligible machines for the main tournament bracket are electric, single motor power tools with no motor modifications or non-standard power sources (i.e. engine and power source needs to be box stock). Propulsion can be direct drive to track via the original blades, belts, etc, or via a custom gear/chain/tire configurations. Frames, wheels, guide rails, etc can be added as desired. Any motor or power type is allowed. But all “motors” must have originated in a hand power tool and be in their original form, with original power source driving it.
Due to the nature of the event these machines can be very fast and very dangerous. ALL entries for any class MUST REGISTER their machine and be inspected prior to racing to make sure they will stay on the track and out of the audience. Safety comes first, and so we reserve the right to deem your racer unsafe to race, and forbid your machine to race at any time for whatever reason(s) we find relevant.
AC electrical cords will be 100′ long per lane, originating at the starting line. They will have standard Edison 3-prong connectors. You will be responsible for connecting your racer to the cord and laying it alongside the track for your run. No spools or cord guides allowed, but duct tape will be provided so you can tape the connector together. Tangles or poor cord feed are your responsibility.
Eligible machines for the main tournament bracket are electric, single motor power tools with no motor modifications or non-standard power sources (i.e. engine and power source needs to be box stock). Propulsion can be direct drive to track via the original blades, belts, etc, or via a custom gear/chain/tire configurations. Frames, wheels, guide rails, etc can be added as desired. Any motor or power type is allowed. But all “motors” must have originated in a hand power tool and be in their original form, with original power source driving it.
Due to the nature of the event these machines can be very fast and very dangerous. ALL entries for any class MUST REGISTER their machine and be inspected prior to racing to make sure they will stay on the track and out of the audience. Safety comes first, and so we reserve the right to deem your racer unsafe to race, and forbid your machine to race at any time for whatever reason(s) we find relevant.
The Racers
Eligible racers for the main tournament bracket event are built from hand-held power tools with single stock electric motors that operate from an 110 VAC power source. Unique drive trains and elaborate decorations are encouraged. A special exhibition class and demonstration runs by more exotic non-standard entries is allowed at the discretion of the judges. See the RULES section later in this post for additional information.
The Track
The drag strip is two lanes of reasonably flat plywood track. Each lane has two 2"x4" side rails with a 12" inner spacing for the racer. The measured race distance is 75 feet from start to finish. The overall track length is 88 feet; having a 4 foot staging area at the start and a 9 foot over travel distance at the end. Used tires in the over travel zone give the faster entries something to crash into. The track is generally straight and smooth. All dimensions are nominal. There are some variations and bumps, particularly at the joints every 8 feet. As conditions deteriorate and at the sole discretion of the Race Master, plywood pot hole repair panels will be installed nominally equivalent in both lanes. Any variations from nominal are considered normal and become part of the accepted challenge and the fun.