ATTENTION AWANA BUILDERS !! Obviously an AWANA Program can and do run their Grand Prix as they please and institute what ever rules they please. However, there is an Official protocol. If you google "AWANA Grand Prix Rules" or follow this link https://o.b5z.net/i/u/6021236/f/Awana_Grand_Prix_Rules.pdf you'll find the Official Rules of the intended protocol. It's come to the attention of Billy, a disparity between the Official Rules and the build sheet in the kit. It deals with mostly lube, axle grooves and wheelbase. The Official rules clearly state (quote) only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered white teflon will be allowed for lubricating the wheels (unquote). (quote) The axles shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body, but use of the pre-made 'axle grooves' is NOT required (unquote). Which leaves the door open for a modified wheel base if desired. The kit build sheet states (quote) You can lubricate the axles to reduce friction (unquote) leaving the door open for whatever lube you desire. (quote) put the wheels on the axles and then tap them into the slots the wood block (unquote). Therefore not allowing for a modified wheel base.
So what should an AWANA builder do ? He called AWANA Headquarters and asked to speak with someone in regard to the GP rules. He brought the disparity to the attention of the lady he spoke with. Her reply was she wasn't aware of the disparity and actually didn't know they existed. Her only thought was it must be a disconnect somewhere within the supply line and that was basically the end of the conversation.
So Billy, standing there scratching his head and with that why me look on his face, he made the decision to follow the official rules. During the recent 2020 GP he was paying close attention and his Granddaughters entry was the only one with a modified wheel base. He also noticed some of the cars had very little if any drop off at all. Some were getting faster as the race proceeded against some cars he knew was on dry lube and having measurable drop off on the big screen. Of course there could be some different wheel/axle prep or other methods responsible making any particular car faster or slower. Who knows but the builder be it him or her self ? In Billy's mind it appeared as though every one must have followed the kit build sheet, had a standard wheel base and left the "you can lube your axles" to their own interpretation.
So, does AWANA use different vendors that may haphazardly throw a build sheet together ignoring the Official Rules or do they change vendors occasionally, possibly thru a bid process ? If anyone knows please let the forum members know because there's definitely been some changes in their wheels and some say axles as well.
After the race Billy mentioned the disparity to the GP director and if there is a disconnect within AWANA'S supply line and the same build sheet is in next year's kit she should possiblly consider downloading a copy of the Official Rules, give each participant a copy when they get their kit and go by what AWANA refers to as 'The Official Rules". In the end really doesn't matter which set of rules your GP uses as a good builder can make speed with either one. But what DOES MATTER is that everyone's on the same playing field. Like Smokey said "You don't race cars you race the rule book !!......RRR
So what should an AWANA builder do ? He called AWANA Headquarters and asked to speak with someone in regard to the GP rules. He brought the disparity to the attention of the lady he spoke with. Her reply was she wasn't aware of the disparity and actually didn't know they existed. Her only thought was it must be a disconnect somewhere within the supply line and that was basically the end of the conversation.
So Billy, standing there scratching his head and with that why me look on his face, he made the decision to follow the official rules. During the recent 2020 GP he was paying close attention and his Granddaughters entry was the only one with a modified wheel base. He also noticed some of the cars had very little if any drop off at all. Some were getting faster as the race proceeded against some cars he knew was on dry lube and having measurable drop off on the big screen. Of course there could be some different wheel/axle prep or other methods responsible making any particular car faster or slower. Who knows but the builder be it him or her self ? In Billy's mind it appeared as though every one must have followed the kit build sheet, had a standard wheel base and left the "you can lube your axles" to their own interpretation.
So, does AWANA use different vendors that may haphazardly throw a build sheet together ignoring the Official Rules or do they change vendors occasionally, possibly thru a bid process ? If anyone knows please let the forum members know because there's definitely been some changes in their wheels and some say axles as well.
After the race Billy mentioned the disparity to the GP director and if there is a disconnect within AWANA'S supply line and the same build sheet is in next year's kit she should possiblly consider downloading a copy of the Official Rules, give each participant a copy when they get their kit and go by what AWANA refers to as 'The Official Rules". In the end really doesn't matter which set of rules your GP uses as a good builder can make speed with either one. But what DOES MATTER is that everyone's on the same playing field. Like Smokey said "You don't race cars you race the rule book !!......RRR
