Several Coasters took a road trip to OKC this past Sunday to attend and participate in the Rebuilding Together Construction Derby. This was part of our Weekend Of Gravity Racing In Oklahoma. This race was different from others as it required a 6 person team consisting of a driver, 4 pushers and 2 recovery people. The pushers have a 15 foot run to push and get the racer rolling down the hill. Once at the bottom the retrievers would catch the racer and push it up to the scales. This type of race gets more people involved and with the pushers has a huge effect on how well the racer does. As a group we had 3 racers competing. Wess and his racer Transcendence, Thad in Second Wind and me driving Thad's Radio Flyer. For being the first time at this event and this type of race the Coasters did an excellent job. It didn't take the Pushers long to perfect their method and to push me and the Radio Flyer (aka "the Wittle Wed Wagon") to a 2nd place win in the amateur category. The Radio Flyer also took the "Best Exemplifies RT Mission" award. Thad competed in the Pro class and got some good runs in but was eliminated before the finals. Wess after one practice run and a time trial run had an axle break. He and Dave hauled the racer over to the Ozarka teams shop where they were able to weld it back together. After returning with the fixed wheel he unfortunately broke the steering rod and wasn't able to compete. Lucky for Wess though his racer looks fast even when sitting still.
The racers weren't the only thing breaking down. We had a couple of Pushers with calf and knee injuries. Talk about "taking one for the team"!
Thanks to Thad for getting us involved, the pushers for their hard work, the girls (aka "speed Bumps") at the bottom of the hill, Randy's Mom & Barbara for the photos and video and everyone that came down to cheer us on. Also thanks to the companies in OKC who sponsored us.... Geo Testing and AAAA Wrecker.

OKC's News 9 story and photos here.

Photo Slideshow here.

Video...

A few of the Coasters attended the Sand Springs Derby gravity race in Sand Springs, Oklahoma this past Saturday as part of our Weekend Of Gravity Racing In Oklahoma.
Wess raced his car Transcendence, Thad raced his Second Wind car and Jose raced Thad's Radio Flyer. Thad took 3rd place in the Adult Competitive division and had the fastest car there. After the finals there was a "Grudge match" between Thad and the 1st place winner in which Thad won. Jose went undefeated in the Novelty class although they didn't give out awards for speed in this class. This was a really nice event and a fun time.

Photo slide show here.

Video...

A weekend of gravity racing in Oklahoma. Saturday, October 10th is the Sand Springs Derby in Sand Springs and Sunday, October 11th is the Rebuilding Together Construction Derby in Oklahoma City. Thad will be participating in both of these events. For more info talk with Thad.

Websites...
Sand Springs Derby
Rebuilding Together Construction Derby

Sunday, October 18th our 3rd gravity race.

Click here for a printable flier.

Our 2nd gravity racing event was a great time. We had good weather and a good turnout. A wide variety of 2, 3 and 4 wheeled racers made many trips down the track. There was a participant who came from Oklahoma City and a few spectators from Canada. We also had a great pot-luck lunch. Thanks to Thad for putting it together and to all who came out. Special thanks to Steve for making the uphill trip as easy as the down. Also thanks to my Mother for her photos and videos.

Here are the speeds of a few of the racers we clocked...
Thad's enclosed racer - 33.2mph
Gil's bike - 31-32mph can't recall for sure
Darren's bike - 25.6mph
Randy's bike-car - 25.4mph
Larry's bike - 24.6mph
Tom's Power Wheels - 21.6mph
Randy & Dad's Jeep - 17.0mph

Photos here.

Videos...




Reverse steer bike...

Click here for a bigger printable poster.

View last years racing fun here.