OFFICIAL RULES

1.0  TEAMS

1.1 Teams will consist of 2-4 members

1.2 Each team will design and build at least one racer capable of competing in all of the contests.* Teams may elect to emphasize performance in certain events.

1.3 Each team member must drive (pilot) the vehicle for one heat in each contest for up to the total of 3 heats per each racing contest. No one other than a recognized member of the team can pilot the vehicle in an official race.

1.4 The contest for measuring aesthetic and build quality achievement should precede all other (dynamic) contests

 

2.0  VEHICLES 

2.1 The vehicle must achieve forward motion only by the energy stored in one specified official rubber band strip medium. The rubber strip must be attached only to the vehicle. Rubber band strip for the official race will be provided by and may only be acquired from the race operators. This will typically be one (1) 3/16” x 16ft rubber strip (FAI Tan Rubber Strip or PeckPolymers Rubber Strip)

Race teams may use lubrication mediums to enhance the performance of rubber strip and may pre condition strips prior to races without modifying the composition of the strip and with passing of inspection by race officials.

2.2 Each vehicle may have no more than 2 remote radio controlled servos, each servo capable of one degree or axis of 3D motion in two directions and typical of hobby servos. Servos are assumed to include the supporting components for such servos (ie. battery, switches, and receiver) that can be used to provide remote control for any function required. ( ex. steering and braking) No other on or off board sensors, guidance or other control systems are allowed.

2.25 Teams may use any and the latest technology for servos, batteries, receivers, switches, controllers etc. as long as it was/is reasonably available for all of the competitors within the development time of the race vehicles. Exclusive prototype components from vendors are not allowed.

2.3 The vehicle must have one and the same setup/configuration and components for all of the contests. The team may have replacement parts or assemblies of the same design and the team may develop an entire spare vehicle of the same design. Teams may not change configuration other than: 

a) the number of winds or loops in a rubber band for different contests.

b) protective bumpers and collision guards

2.6 There are no restrictions on the dimensions, materials and /or methods used to fabricate the vehicle.  

2.7 Vehicles may utilize purchased components including steering knuckles, wheels, etc.

2.8 Vehicles must be substantially designed and assembled/ constructed by the team and may not be substantially outsourced to other service providers.

 

3.0 RACE RULES

3.1 Each team will race their vehicle (one at a time) – against the official timing clock to achieve a best time. Start/Finish will be measured “nose to nose” Vehicles must have their complete physical from behind the start line. Vehicles will be measured as “at the finish line” when the first physical element of the vehicle arrives at the finish line. Infrared or other automated systems will typically be utilized to measure and monitor race times. Officials may elect to utilize back-up timing results of race times by manual timing methods in the case of a failed automatic timing run or authorize a re-run of the race for a new time.

3.2 There will be 3 heats for each team for this contest. A separate time will be recorded for each contest and the best of the 3 times will be recorded as that team’s official best time for that event.

3.3 Each team must be ready to race for their scheduled time when they are called to the start line or after 120 seconds they will forfeit that heat. Teams will be informed that they need to be on deck prior to their scheduled race time.  Racers are to wind their vehicles and otherwise to be ready to race before their scheduled start time. Racers have 3 minutes to complete the specific heat after arriving successfully for their scheduled start time.

3.4 The team achieving the best time or rank for any event will be awarded 5 points. The team with the second best time will receive 4 points. The team with the third best time will receive 3 points. The team with the fourth best time will receive 2 points. The team with the fifth best time will receive 1 point. Total point scores will be used to award the Best in Show trophy.

3.5 Team members may be stationed anywhere on the course during their contests.

3.6 No objects may be placed in or on the course; examples are ladders, bicycles, ramped turns, etc. that may impair competitors or produce advantages for teams.

3.7 No roller blades, skateboards, rolling shoes or other personal mobility advantages are allowed for vehicle drivers or team members.

3.8 Team members may walk or run on or off the course to drive or follow the vehicle during their race.

3.9 Raceways are generally defined by the width of the sidewalk or barriers of lawn, curb, or wall, etc. immediately adjacent.

3.10 Hitting or deflecting off of objects within and adjacent to the course is allowed. Examples are curbs, benches, stairs and walls.

3.11 The vehicle must follow and complete the entire course from start to finish, if the vehicle spins out, misses a turn, or otherwise goes off course then a member of that team (only) may replace the vehicle on the course at or before the location of forward progress through the course where it went off course. The clock will continue to run.

3.12 Off-Course / Touch / Gain Penalty: 

The contest referee may elect to penalize any team at her/his discretion for up to 5 seconds for driving or deflecting the vehicle off of the course or otherwise assisting the forward progress of the vehicle by other than the stored power in the rubber band- especially to gain a time advantage.

3.13 Vehicles must be able to start the race without being touched or held behind the start line location. That is: the vehicle must by a brake or other automatic mechanism be able to hold itself at the start of the race for at least 5 seconds with the forward most part of the vehicle between the start line and no more than 6” (150 mm) behind the start line. 

4.0 A team may be disqualified by the referee if any team member engages in intentional interference, damage or sabotage to any vehicle regarding the race event in any way.

5.0 Non ACCD Grad ID teams may compete by meeting all requirements and successfully participating in the prior qualifying race.

6.0 The winning team of each contest will be presented the appropriate trophy in a ceremony following the race and their record will be added to  the historic legacy trophy after the event.

7.0 The referee makes the final ruling for any disputes.