First Annual Push Car Derby
Saturday April 12, 8 teams from 4 troops brought their push cars to Russell Ranch Elementary School in Folsom to race push cars they build or helped build. Troop 363 built three cars, Troops 161 and 380 two cars and Troop 558 1 car. Some cars were built using a push car kit for the basic frame or where custom built, but everyone had there style. Troop 380 used a toilet for the drivers seat.
The first event, Best of Show. The scoring was close from 1st to 8th place. Third place Cobras from Troop 161. Second place Sharks from Troop 558. First place Patrol 1 from Troop 380.
The next event as the Figure 8 Race, with each team racing against the stopwatch. The teams had a driver and one or two people to push the car. A variety of pushing styles were used. One teams switched people pushing in the middle of race hoping the fresh legs would help. One team had one person push the car around the entire course, and they turned in a great time. Others used two people to push the car around the entire course. The best race was the General from Troop 161 that had two tires come of the plastic rims and still managed to came over the finish. Fourth place Piercing Arrows from Troop 363. Third place Dragons from Troop 363. Second place from Troop 558. First place Cobras from Troop 161.
The final event was the downhill with each car racing three times. The course from about a hundred yards down a residential street by the school. Each teams had one practice run down the hill. What was the secrete to a fast car? Don’t know, but the winning cars were all low profile with a simple design. The final race was classic NASCAR. Drafting, slings shot and close finish. Fourth place Patrol 2 from Troop 380. Third place Sharks from Troop 558. Second place Cobras from Troop 161. First place General from Troop 161.
Check out the photos at http://www.gec-bsa.org/districts/riodeloro/photos
Posted April 13, 2008