Annual Pinebox Registration Page

Pinebox Derby Registration

Each entry is referred to hereafter as “Racer”

2024 Annual Pinebox Derby Registration

Register below to see if you can win the derby! Please see rules for details below.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Pinebox Mini Coffin Races. Our applications are currently closed for this year's event. Check back again next year!

General Pinebox Derby Standards & Rules

All Racers must successfully pass the following Standards criteria, via entry judge inspection, to qualify for entry into their respective race:

  • Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
  • Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
  • Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
  • Axles, wheels, and body may be from the materials provided in the entry packet kit, or sourced elsewhere, however, all specifications for entry will be strictly adhered to.
  • Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
  • No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone. None of this shall be excessive enough to slough onto the track, or any of the DotD race monitoring equipment.
  • The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
  • The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
  • No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
  • Once the Racer is entered into the competition and handed off to the race committee judges, it will be in the sole custody of the race committee. No alternations, modifications, or contact can be had between any member of the race team, and the Racer entry until the conclusion of the event, for any reason! Any team member’s contact with the Racer entry, after hand-off to the judges, will result in immediate elimination/disqualification.
  • All judge and race official decisions are final. No arguments, or provocation of race officials, or other participants will be tolerated. Any infraction of rule 11. may result in immediate team elimination/disqualification. This is intended to be a fun, community event for all, including our all-volunteer staff!!!!

Racer Construction Safety

Make safety in building your racer your top priority.

  • Gather your safety essentials: dust mask, goggles, and latex gloves.
  • Wear eye protection at all times.
  • Monitor and observe the general safe use of tool protocols.
  • Wear a dust mask (when appropriate).
  • Work in a well-lighted and well-ventilated area.
  • Consider wearing gloves when using sharp tools.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
  • Handle lead with care.
  • Follow all safety rules and precautions listed on the tools and products you use.
  • Keep your work area clean and organized.

Scoring Method

Double Elimination

This method uses a “winner’s bracket” system that begins with every car filling one spot. At the end of each heat, the winning car advances to the next level of the winner’s bracket while the other cars are entered into the loser’s bracket. Those cars then race against one another, with the winners of each heat advancing. The final car of each of the two brackets competes with the other for first place.

Advantages: The system is straightforward and moves quickly. Each car has at least two chances to advance.

Head-to-Head Elimination

Heats are not based on time, but rather on head-to-head competition. Entries in each heat will run head-to-head in a dual elimination system with only one car advancing to the winner’s bracket from any single heat. Upon first loss, each entry will transition to single elimination in loser’s bracket heats.

Questions? Email: info@dentondayofthedeadfestival.com