Coffin Races
Rules and Registration
2026 Annual Coffin Race Registration
Denton’s Annual Coffin Races will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Registration opens at noon on May 5.
General Information
Registration Process
There are now two categories for race team registration.
- FAMILY/INDIVIDUAL: $200 non-refundable entry fee.
- BUSINESS/SCHOOL/NON-PROFIT: $500 non-refundable entry fee
Choose the correct category from the dropdown menu when you register.
Please note: If you register a business team as an individual/family team for a lower price, you will be disqualified.
No refunds for rain or inclement-weather cancellations.
After Registration
- You will receive an email confirmation upon entry. If you do not receive an email confirmation of your entry, contact us at CoffinRaces@dentondayofthedeadfestival.com.
We will have a REQUIRED pre-race meeting 2-3 weeks before race day to go over rules and answer questions. Exact location and time are TBD. Each team must send at least one representative to this meeting.
General Team Rules
All teams are guaranteed two races. The entire field will race twice, and we will take your best time of the two.
The 32 fastest teams advance to the tournament.
- Foot faults: Your pusher’s foot may not cross the starting line. If this happens, you’re DQ’d for that race. We’ll count your remaining time as final.
- Two foot faults in prelims = elimination.
- One foot fault in the tournament = elimination.
- Only the driver and pusher may be present at the starting line. Teams are allowed one pusher per coffin per heat. You may not utilize a “pusher catcher” at the starting line.
- If you have more than one driver at a time, all drivers must cross the finish line to get your official time.
- Intentional lane crossing is grounds for disqualification. That means no ramming or steering in front of your competitor.
- Drivers and pushers must sign the Waiver and Release Agreement at the check-in tent on race day.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased safety measures, only responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages from personal coolers is allowed.
No distribution of alcoholic beverages to the public or other teams inside Pit Row or the Day of the Dead Festival footprint.
Race Day
To complete check-in on the day of the race, each car will be inspected by race officials to ensure that the guidelines above are met.
- Check-in begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. on race day.
- If the Pit Crew Boss sees something at check-in that is questionable (dangerous to other racers and attendees; stabby things, etc), your car will be subject to required modification before the race starts.
NEW Coffin Race Rules
Coffin Racer Eligibility
- All participants must be 15 years of age or older.
- Driver or Guardian must provide proof of age at the race day check-in.
- All drivers must wear a helmet.
- Each driver and pusher must have a signed Waiver and Release Agreement at check-in.
Coffin Car Requirements
All cars are subject to an inspection in Pit Row prior to the race start.
You will not race unless you pass inspection in accordance with these rules.
- All cars must have functional brakes and steering throughout the race. If your brakes or steering become inoperable, you must correct prior to your next scheduled heat. If you are still making repairs when you are scheduled to race, you will have a 10-minute time limit to finish them. If you are not race-ready by the 10-minute mark, your team must forfeit.
- The only modifications you are allowed to make to your car post-inspection are for approved repairs. You CANNOT modify your car once it has been inspected, or at any time during the race.
Modifications include, but are not limited to: adding weight, changing wheels, adding compressed air tanks. - Compressed air, small engines, pedals, or propellants of any kind are not allowed. The ONLY force propelling your car down the hill is from your pusher’s push at the line. No exceptions.
- All cars must be coffin-inspired, spooky-themed, or Day of the Dead Festival-inspired in some way. This is a Coffin Race, after all.
- Total car length may not exceed 12 feet. That includes the push bar if you’re using one. For example, the length from the nose of your car to the end of the push bar may not exceed 12 feet.
