NEW NPWDRL CLASS!!!

Ok, that's just weird.

Literally, about 4 hours ago I said to a someone that the only thing I don't like about NPWDRL is that there is no stock or near stock wheel division and that makes it pricey to build a competitive car.

So, great job in recognizing a gap and addressing it!

However, the whole no fender or attachments to sides rule is a bit of a head scratcher. Partially on rationale and partially on enforcement.

Regarding rationale, I'm guessing it has to do with keeping the barrier to entry low both in terms of building skill and money. At any rate, I'm sure John has his reasons so this doesn't concern me. I'm more confused by the enforcement.

Regarding enforcement, the rule seems vague to me because the term "side of the car" doesn't have any real meaning. For example, given the width rule of 2 3/4, I could extend the body to the full width of the wheels in front and behind the wheels and have fenders stuck on the top of the car body. That's perfectly legal according to these rules because the there's nothing attached to the "sides" of the car.

For an example, just look at laserman's 3lxa car.

I think what was meant was nothing attached to the side of a standard pine block of 1 3/4 width. If that is the true intent then the width rule (currently at 2 3/4) should be adjusted.

Not trying to be difficult here - just trying to make sure the rules are clear and unambiguous. This will be a great addition!
 
Hmmm..I have an extra set of wheels laying around but I think they weigh 2.3g. They must be Rage wheels...and the reason for the 2.4g /images/boards/smilies/wink.gif Time to place another order! I was building two new cars for Am this month, may have a reason to do another now!
hmmm
 
DerbyDad4Hire said:
Fixed. 1 3/4" body rule. Good catch. I am trying to eliminate the pre bought cars that dominate. I am also trying to make a budget class that all can enjoy and have a chance to be competitive without having to spend a lot of money on wheels.

Gotcha ... /images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif
 
DerbyDad4Hire said:
Fixed. 1 3/4" body rule. Good catch. I am trying to eliminate the pre bought cars that dominate. I am also trying to make a budget class that all can enjoy and have a chance to be competitive without having to spend a lot of money on wheels.

Great idea! I'll be making one of these this month... Just add it to the list. Gotta start my street rod build too. Ughhh, not enough time.
 
Thanks John. I will run my wheels in novice. I do agree that there needs to b a stock class, real stock. Let the new guys run ( like me ) and then we will move on up. If it was not for the novice class I would have not ran. Guys let the new guys play. There is plenty of classes for others to play in. This is the key to bring new guys to race. Great job john on this.
 
Awesome. Just in time for my first entry which was going to be completely stock axles and wheels. Besides saving money I also want to see how fast I can get with out of the box parts, relying mainly on my prep process. I want to make sure I get that part right before I go and ruin some expensive wheels.

I think this better addresses what you were intending for the novice/scout class to get more beginners as well as attract folks that are on the fence or may not be ready to put in a big order for parts. You can always upgrade parts later when you're ready.
 
Ngyoung its a blast. Just start saving the money because the bug will bite u and there is no cure for the pinewood derby bug. I will looking for your car. Good luck!
 
Don't worry I was 14 th my first race. I made my car .0010 faster and still got 14 th on the last race. My magic number. 14!!!! Still happy
 
DD4H - Sounds great! I'm in. "Cheap" is my middle name (my parents think they're funny).
lol


First glance at the rules was a little confusing... Car *body* (not including wheels) has a max width of 1-3/4". I was originally thinking, "If my car has a maximum width of 1-3/4", there is no way it'll clear the rails."

I love the idea of a straight out of the box class to race in. Wouldn't mind the addition of fenders, for I have some aero ideas I want to play with, but I really appreciate that the playing field is pretty level and won't require a thick pocketbook to be competitive.

Nice!
 
Kinser Racing said:
Great addition!

Is this class calculated into the ranking matrix? i.e. do I have to enter this class? (Please say no, please say no, please say no.) /images/boards/smilies/wave.gif
It will count towards the top 50 but it will count like a low level Street Stock. You will not be penalized for not running it.
 
I just measured a few stock wheels I had laying around and had an average tread width of .305 inches. That is the actual tread surface, not including the fluting on the outer edge or the rounded inside edge. I tried to only measure the actual tread contact area.

<joke>Have to know these things as any class where Kinser is not racing is one more spot closer to 1st I get </joke>