Read rules below before registering
or finalizing your build
(All rules must be followed to qualify to race)  

THE RULES – for real y’all.

Registration is required.

If you’re a thrill seeking adult (in age only) with at least a bit of self preservation and common sense – AND – if you’ve got at least 3 wheels, no more than 2 riders, seat(s) for the rider(s), a steering mechanism, working brakes (!), a helmet, and no motor or pedals (gravity only, y’all) – AND – you read and adhere to the rules below, you basically have what it takes to enter the official Kirby Derby.

The Derby is an adult event, as the curves of the track and the racers themselves can be very unpredictable.

1. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Only properly registered racers will be allowed to race.
2. ADULTS 18+ years old ONLY
3. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK! You are solely responsible for your own safety, the safety of your team, and you are responsible for the safety of anyone who comes in contact with your vehicle (and make sure your health insurance is up to date)
4. PARTICIPATION IN PARADE REQUIRED to race. Parade lineup is at 4:30 (but that could change).
5. The vehicle should include creative decor that represents the current year’s theme of Kirby Derby.
6. Kirby Derby is for everybody, so keep your costumes, props, language, and overall content appropriate for a public event. Please skip anything that could reasonably be mistaken for a weapon or that threatens, targets, or puts other people at risk. Be weird. Be outrageous. Just keep it fun for everybody.
7. There may be obstacle(s) included in this year’s race. They have not been designed yet and may or may not be shared wit the riders before the race. Please make your vehicle strong enough to withstand a bump or 2 and the ability to swerve without falling apart.
8. Helmets must be worn. Real bike helmets or better – NOT homemade.
9. The vehicle must have working brakes (your shoes are not brakes)
10. The vehicle must have at least 3 wheels, all 3 of which are in use and touching the track
11. The vehicle must have a steering mechanism
12. No motor, pedals or other elements beyond gravity to move the car forward  – this is a gravity-only vehicle. 
13. A push is allowed by an assigned member of the racer’s crew. The pusher must stop pushing by the dedicated mark on the ground.
14. Maximum 2 riders AND BOTH MUST BE SEATED.
15. Any rider must be behind the steering column and/or the front wheel(s) – we realize some vehicles are made in a way where this rule needs to be interpreted. The purpose of this rule is for protection of the riders. We want people to protect themselves. A rider’s body or head should NOT be the first thing to receive impact if there is a wreck. Please don’t put yourself in the position to fling headfirst by sitting out front as a hood ornament or doing the old “riding on the handlebars” thing we did as kids.
16. We encourage PRACTICE RUNS. The car, car pusher and race-driver should all participate in a practice run. We cannot schedule this at the actual course. Regardless, you should practice somewhere that tests tight turns at speed, braking, and the legitimacy of the build of your vehicle. Test going over a bump or pothole to see if your axle is strong enough or your wheels fold over. PLEASE DO NOT practice at the course. The area is a well used part of the park, with pedestrians of all ages as well as vehicles at all times of day. It is not safe or allowed to test your vehicle on the track.
17. Racer and car must be ready when called to race. Race position is forfeited if not available at time racer is called. All racers should be at the starting line by 5:45pm (subject to change – pay attention). If a car is damaged in a heat, the race cannot wait for repairs. If the repair can be fast, the front line must be told immediately to see if any heats can be moved to accommodate, but there are no promises of the ability for this to happen.
18. The vehicle might need to be pulled in order to get back to the starting line or to walk the parade. There should be something on the front or back to enable a tow rope, and the whole car should be strong enough so it doesn’t break apart and get strung along the path like a yard sale. You must have people assigned and in place to help pull the vehicle into position between runs.
19. The body of the vehicle must be made with a healthy dose of common-sense-safety for riders AND for spectators. If your car hits someone, will it impale them? If so, please redesign it. The body of the vehicle must also not put the driver/rider in a vulnerable situation. Example: in a previous year, a car was made of sheet-metal with a hole cut out of top to stick head up through. Don’t do that, y’all!
20. Judges maintain the right to refuse a car from the race if it is deemed unsafe, offensive or otherwise inappropriate (this has never happened…but just sayin’ we’re goin’ a bit more legit these days). Ultimately, however, this safety and the judgement thereof is the responsibility of the car owner.

Remember, winning is in the eye of the beholder (race judge), who might just not be paying attention at the time. You gotta take wins, losses and fairness in stride and with a lot of salt.