Unofficial Brick Derby Rules

As this activity grows in popularity, so will the demand for universal brick derby rules and regulations. Until then, our team compiled a set of tried and true, unofficial, racing rules that work best for most clubs.

Vehicle Class

We present two vehicle classes to offer a range of creativity and competition, and we named them accordingly.

■ Competition Class - Staying close to Pinewood Derby specifications, this class is a tribute to the derby that started it all.

■ Creative Class - Expanded vehicle specifications to allow for more intricate or outlandish creations.

Vehicle Specifications

COMPETITION CLASS

■ Maximum Width: 10 studs (approximately 3.125 inches)

■ Maximum Length: 22 studs (approximately 7 inches)

■ Maximum Height: 6 bricks (approximately 2.25 inches)

■ Minimum Bottom Height: 2 plates (approximately 1/4 inch)

■ Maximum Vehicle Weight: 5 ounces

CREATIVE CLASS

■ Maximum Width: 10 studs (approximately 3.125 inches)

■ Maximum Length: 30 studs (approximately 9.5 inches)

■ Maximum Height: 12 bricks (approximately 4.5 inches)

■ Minimum Bottom Height: 2 plates (approximately 1/4 inch)

■ Maximum Vehicle Weight: 10 ounces

Wheels, Axles & Weights

The unofficial Brick Derby Association uses Derby Magic and Brick Derby™ accessories, exclusively. Racers may use any combination of these aftermarket parts, as long as the vehicle meets the required specifications.

To keep our races fair and consistent, all vehicles must have at least 4 wheels, and all 4 must touch the track. Although some clubs allow for a minimum of 3 wheels touching the track, we have found that this can make a vehicle unpredictable and a potential hazard to other vehicles.

Our 4-wheel contact rule is a courtesy to other vehicles, and is not intended to discourage creativity or speed techniques.

LEGO® Only (mostly)

With the exception of the Derby Magic and Brick Derby™ accessories, no other non-LEGO® parts are allowed.

No Motors

Motors or other means of propulsion are not allowed. Downhill derby vehicles rely solely on gravity to move them forward.

No Lubricants

Because of the nature of LEGO®, and plastics in general, no lubricants, graphite or grease are allowed. Some lubricants can erode and destroy plastic as well as decrease the clutch power of the LEGO®.

The Race

Racing Divisions

To keep our downhill derbies both fun and fair, we have created four racing divisions determined by age.

Micro Division - 6 to 9 years old

Mini Division - 10 to 13 years old

Midi Division - 14 to 17 years old

Macro Division - 18+

Registration

■ Participants will meet at the registration table to submit their vehicle for inspection and weigh in. Each vehicle must pass inspection to ensure it meets the required specifications listed above. The racer will then be issued an adhesive number to be placed somewhere visible on their vehicle.

■ Racers will complete a registration form with information to be used throughout the race. Racers name, vehicle number, class and division are required information. A vehicle name is not required, however encouraged.

■ Registered, approved and numbered vehicles will then be placed in a staging area to await their heats. At this phase, only brick derby officials have access to the vehicles.

Racing

■ We place 2 to 4 vehicles at the top of a 4-lane track and race them to the bottom. Although we run multiple vehicles at once, technically you are not racing the vehicle next to you but competing for your own best time.

■ Each vehicle will race 4 timed heats. We then add the finish times of all 4 heats and divide that by 4, giving us the average time it takes your vehicle to reach the finish line.

■ We then compare these numbers with the other racers in your division to determine the fastest vehicle.

Again, to keep things fun and fair, we run 4 heats per vehicle so each racer can experience every lane of the track. This also dispels any notion of lane advantage.

If your vehicle loses pieces during the race, you are allowed to repair it before your next heat. You will be allowed 3 minutes of supervised repair time at the staging table. No additional pieces may be added.

Race order is as follows:

Micro division will run their first heat, and then Mini division will run their first heat, followed by the next division and heat, and so on. Each heat runs until every vehicle in that division has raced. This continues until all vehicles have completed all 4 of their heats.

After all heats are completed, the race data is calculated and the fastest vehicles from each racing class will be determined.

Alternative Race Methods

For public events we use the elapsed time average system that we detailed above. This is the most common system used at official derby events. However, our club races are more casual and depending on member turnout, we use one of the following methods.

Point System (Low Points Win):

Vehicles race in heats, and earn points based on their finish position. The vehicle with the lowest total points will be declared the winner.

Example: 1st = 1 point, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 3 points and so on.

The car with the lowest total points at the end of all heats is the winner.

Double Elimination

Two vehicles race head-to-head with the winner advancing to the primary bracket, while the runner-up goes to the secondary bracket. This gives the 2nd place vehicle another opportunity to stay in the race.

The vehicle that reaches the final primary bracket will compete against the remaining vehicle from the secondary bracket.

The car that wins the final heat of both brackets is declared the winner.

Closing Ceremony

We begin closing out the event by publicly thanking the derby staff, the racing participants and the race fans with a round of applause.

We then announce and award the top three finishers for each class and division, 3rd place first. We start with Competition class.

Example:

"The top finishers for the Competition Class, Micro Division are...

3rd place finish goes to, racer's name, vehicle name, with a time of ...

2nd place finish goes to, racer's name, vehicle name, with a time of...

1st place finish goes to, racer's name, vehicle name, with a time of..."

Then we announce the next division.

We repeat the process for the Creative Class.

Next, we announce the the winner's of the People's Choice Awards (optional, see below).

Lastly, we thank our guests again and direct them to our website and social media to keep current of future events.

Optional Activities

■ Decorate accordingly. At our public events, we try to create a "vibe," as the kids say. We use checkered flags, pennants, and other race themed decor throughout the race area.

■ We display a uBDA backdrop to offer a photo opportunity for racers and guests. This also helps promote our club and events through image sharing and social-media tags.

■ To keep the audience engaged, we place a ballot box at the staging table for racers, as well as guests, to vote for their favorite vehicle in various categories. Consider offering voting for; most creative build, coolest color combination... etc. Then, during the closing ceremony, we present a People's Choice award to the winners of each category.

■ In lieu of a participation trophy, we offer a "Safe Driver" award for all the race participants who didn't place.

The unofficial Brick Derby Association is not affiliated with Derby Magic or the Brick Derby™ brand.

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.

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