We took first..But...

[ScoutDerbyDad]

My sons race was today and we managed to take first place out of 39 cars. His best time was 2.2560 seconds.

We found out after the race that regional rules are different than out pack rules. 0.o

I have the front and rear tires currently spaced out as much as possible. For regionals they can only be 4.5in apart.

So my question is, do i simply move my front tires up to meet the requirement or should i move the front and back together equally to meet the requirement?

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

Build a new body.

 

[TRE]

Build a new body.

+1

 

[Prozach2]

I think most people would agree that the rear wheels will stay where they are and the front wheels would need to be moved back. And for a competitive car, I'm sure you'll have to start from scratch.

 

[ScoutDerbyDad]

I’d keep the rear wheels as far back as you can. I’m guessing you drilled and depends on your body style if it can moved. Can you make a new car if needed

The axles are drilled, however I have the option of simply drilling new holes. Im not sure i can use a different car, i will need to check the rules.

 

[Kurtis Long]

I would definitely build a new body.

 

[ScoutDerbyDad]

I would definitely build a new body.

That may not be an option. Why couldn't I just drill another hole further back

 

[Loud2ns]

That may not be an option. Why couldn't I just drill another hole further back

They are giving you the best option.
Of course you can drill new front axle holes to your specified wheelbase, but you'd be better off building a new chassis.

 

[Craigs Cruzer]

The experienced racers will build cars on a regular basis and more often than not, seem to be ladder cars. The frame/foundation of these cars is completely based on the wheel base as a starting point with the rest of the car built around it (fenders, weight distribution, etc.). If the wheel base could be altered, it changes the entire dynamic of how the car reacts. With the amount of time spent trying to get it right, you'd be better off making a new car.

Now, back down to reality for some of us. Many of us are not quite adept builders and it takes days/weeks to put together a new car body. The time may not be there to build another one. As you alluded to, there may also be rule constraints you're dealing with. If so, you're likely stuck with having to alter the wheel base. If you made a ladder car, I'm not sure how successful you'll be with that. Hopefully, it is a solid block without homemade fenders.

Ideally, the first choice should be to rebuild due to all the unknown factors you could be dealing with shifting the axle. But if other constraints are at play, moving the axles would be plan B and may be you're only option.

 

[ScoutDerbyDad]

The experienced racers will build cars on a regular basis and more often than not, seem to be ladder cars. The frame/foundation of these cars is completely based on the wheel base as a starting point with the rest of the car built around it (fenders, weight distribution, etc.). If the wheel base could be altered, it changes the entire dynamic of how the car reacts. With the amount of time spent trying to get it right, you'd be better off making a new car.

Ahh this makes more sense. The car isnt a ladder design (next year it will be tho). Its a thin flat design with the weight pockets rotored out of the rear and filled with melted lead for a perfect fit and max weight for the area.

Ill start with moving the wheels and if it proves to be problematic I will start from scratch, if allowed.

 

[Mojo Racing]

If your pack rules don't comply with the district rules, I don't see why you would be prohibited from a new build to fit the rules you have.

But this is an opportunity to bring up to the pack... They should follow the district rules to keep this from happening in the future.

 

[Prozach2]

If your pack rules don't comply with the district rules, I don't see why you would be prohibited from a new build to fit the rules you have.

But this is an opportunity to bring up to the pack... They should follow the district rules to keep this from happening in the future.

This is what I was going to say. Just tell them that you built a new car to comply with the different rule set. Send an email in advance to be on the safe side.

I'm kind of curious what your car looks like. Could you post a picture?