Frequently Asked Questions


What is the Downhill Derby?
The Downhill Derby is a race (well not really). It is a chance for a lot of kids to have fun building cars and then running them down the track. Racers go down the track one at a time and race against the clock. Race times are recorded but everyone goes home a winner. Race day is fun for everyone. We eat a lot of Derby-style snacks and play some other Derby games. We may add age brackets in the future, but the drivers range in age from 5 to 15.

How do I Register for the Downhill Derby?
Well, you can just show up on race day! We require that you complete a registration form which you can download here as a PDF. Please check in at the registration desk on race day.

When is the 2011 Downhill Derby?
The track set up will take place on Friday July 15, 2011. Drivers may practice Friday. The Downhill Derby will take place on Saturday July 16, 2011. Races start at 10:00 am and continue until approximately 4:00 pm. In the event of rain, the Downhill Derby will be held on Sunday July 17, 2011. Bring a picnic lunch on race day. We will start racing at 10 am, then take a lunch break and continue in the afternoon. All drivers are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to practice with their car prior to the Derby. Drivers should come to the race capable of controling and stopping their gravity car. On Derby day, we will run cars every 45 seconds! That does not leave time for practice and/or learning to drive. Please practice early.

Where is the 2011 Downhill Derby?
The track is located in Oswego, NY. The top of the course is on Murray Street. Derby festivities take place at the Tryon's house (43 Burden Drive) and on the track. The Derby course is adjacent to the Tryon's backyard.

What should I bring to the 2011 Downhill Derby?
Bring your derby car and any typical parts or tools (although Dan has a lot of tools, including a welder and duct tape) that you might need to make slight adjustments. Bring a bicycle helmet for the driver. Bring any special drinks you desire and a picnic lunch. Snacks will be provided throughout the afternoon. Also bring your camera/camcorder, sunglasses, sun screen, an umbrella (for sun and/or sprinkles) and some lawn chairs.

How do I build a Downhill Derby car?
The Downhill Derby is very loosely based on the All-American Soap Box Derby held in Akron, Ohio each year (www.allamericansoapboxderby.com). There is also a Western Canada Soap Box Derby. However, our Downhill Derby track has left and right curves which requires the drivers to turn! In addition, the object of the Downhill Derby is to have fun without spending a lot of money on a car. Therefore, any type of 4 wheeled car that meets the rules and can be turned and stopped is fine with us! Check out "soap box car", "gravity car", and "go carts" on the web or take a look at our race-day photographs for inspiration.

How do I contact the Downhill Derby organizers?
Contact Robin Tryon (robin@tryon.com) or Daniel Tryon (daniel@tryon.com) using email. Please confirm with us if you will be participating. We would like to know how many racers will be here.

What kind of track is used for the Downhill Derby?
The track used for the Downhill Derby is rough asphalt (with a few cracks). It is slightly longer than 1/10 mile. The track is on a slightly sloping hill (3% grade). The track begins with a straight section, turns gradually to the left, then sharply to the right, and finally slightly to the left. The faster cars might be travelling at 18 mph by the time they reach the bottom of the track.



[ Rules ] [ Photographs ] [ FAQ ] [ Derby News ] [ Home ]