Awana Grand Prix - Rules, Tips & Tricks

Published on Monday, 30 January 2012 18:41
Written by Jay Moore

Category: Ministries

SCHEDULE

March 7th - Weigh in / inspection. All cars that will be raced must be turned in on this date. Each car will be weighed and inspected to according to the rules distributed with each car kit. Each car will be locked up in the Awana office at this time until race day.

March 14th - Race night. I detailed schedule of events will be online soon. The tentative schedule will be:

Cubbies race hotwheels/matchbox cars
Sparks race
TnT race
Present awards

CONSTRUCTION OF CARS

Cars should be designed with the least amount of wind resistance possible. Axles must be mounted straight and wheels aligned properly. Axles do not have to be inserted in the holes provided; the clubber may choose to camber them or insert them at another location or angle.

Winning speed cars usually weigh a little less than five ounces, the maximum weight. Clubbers may find that after their cards are carved, they weigh only two or three ounces and are too light. Weight may be added by drilling a hole in the bottom of the car and adding lead shot into the hole, bringing the weight up to the five-ounce maximum. You can also purchase weight kits at hobby stores, If the car weighs more than five ounces, drill out or remove some of the weight you previously added.

Liquid lubricants or powdered graphite may be used to lubricate wheel axles. Remove excess lubricant to prevent dripping on the track, which should be kept clean and dry. The difference between winning and losing may depend on the lubricant used.

Cars should be carefully painted to compete for design awards. The finish of the car may be determined by the number of paint coats and proper drying time between coats. Some clubbers use heat lamps for drying the finish and then hand-letter identifying numbers on their cars or use the numbered decals from their kits. The decals provided in each kit can enhance the design of the car. Cars must be marked with the number issued at registration time. Waxing can further improve appearance. Cars should look like real racecars ready to race at the Indianapolis 500 as much as possible. Some Clubbers prefer to go for a more creative look when designing their cars (Pick-up trucks, pencils, animals, etc.).

BUILDING PLAN FOR AWANA GRAND PRIX CARS

The Awana Grand Prix track is designed so that the lane strips will keep cars in their proper lanes. Use only the woodblocks, wheels, and axles furnished in the kit. Tight-fitting axle slots have been precut; tap axles gently into place with a hammer. If you wish to reposition or camber axle, do not lower car chassis more than 3/8”, or car may drag on lane strip. You may wish to drop glue into slots to secure axles. Clubber may build car with help of father, guardian, or other adult. Participant’s ribbon will not be issued to clubber until his/her car has successfully competed in at least one heat on day of the race.

CONSTRUCTION HINTS

The car plan included in the kit is only to aid you. You may select a specific design from a magazine, brochure, or newspaper, or design your own.

Outline your car on the woodblock as shown from top, side, and end views as shown in the kit’s “Building Plan”. Whittle, saw, or carve the pine block to desired shape, keeping within racing specifications. When car has been sanded with medium-grade sandpaper, add two coats of sealer to car body. When dry, sand with fine-grade sandpaper. Add a minimum of two coats of paint in your choice of color. Insert metal axles into wheels, tapping them into precut slots. If desired, use rubbing compound and wax to a high gloss. Finally, add decals, using assigned car numbers.

RACING SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length shall not exceed 7”.
Overall width shall not exceed 2 ¾ ".
Overall height shall not exceed 3" in order not to interfere with the Grand Prix finish-line detector.
Car weight shall not exceed 5 oz. Weight may be added to lighter cars by hollowing out cavities and inserting lead or another metal. Such additions must be built securely into the car.
Wheel bearings, bushings, washers, and springs are prohibited.
Addition of decals, driver, steering wheel, car trim, accessories, and painting is permitted as long as they do not cause car to exceed 5 oz. maximum weight.
Starting devices are prohibited. Car must be freewheeling.
Car must pass inspection by the Awana Grand Prix inspector(s) in categories of weight, length, width, height, and other specifics mentioned in these instructions. Inspectors may send cars to the repair station if there are any questions about meeting these standards.
To prevent bottom of car from rubbing on the lane dividers, be sure clearance is 3/8” minimum.

Awana Grand Prix decals may be placed at any desired location on the car.

To eliminate vibration and friction, polish wheel axles with a light lubricant. Rough edges may be removed from wheels by placing them in a drill and sanding the treads lightly.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Q. Where can I find printed rules as to the car size, weight, and other specifics?

A. In addition to this document, the rules of the Awana Grand Prix are included in the Grand Prix wood kit sold to each clubber.

Q. Can a clubber use the same car for an entry each club season?

A. No! We expect each driver to enter a newly built car each year – it adds new creativity and excitement each year.

Q. Is the driver limited to which type of lubricant to use on the wheels and axles?

A. None whatsoever! Races have been won using Mazola Oil, Teflon spray, lightweight machine oil, secret formulas, etc. (As per rules above, no driver can change or add their own bearings, etc.)

Q. Are Awana drivers allowed to use their own wheels, axles, and wood?

A. No! All competitors must use the wood, axles, and wheels provided in the kits.

Q. What about adding miniature figures or car fixtures, like plastic windshields, etc., to dress up the cars?

A. No problem! (As long as the total weight does not exceed the required 5 oz. and the length/width/height requirements are still met.)

Q. Does the number have to be on the car? (Many drivers don’t care to have a racing car with the number right on their beautiful finish.)

A. The car must be identified by number in order to compete, but the number may be on the bottom of the car, out of sight of the general public, yet where a judge can pick it up easily and tell what the number of the car is. This is an easy way for the club to keep an accurate record of the car and its driver.