– CAR WORKSHOPS (Bumper 2 Bumper Service) –
Wednesday nights during Awana February 15th, 22nd, & March 1st.
Saturday, February 25th – Workshop from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm in the LCC gym for cutting, painting, & finishing help.
– RACE DAY –
Saturday, March 4th, 2023
– CAR REGISTRATION –
- PRE-Register your car prior to race day!
- You will turn your car in on Wednesday, March 1st at AWANA OR Friday, March 3rd between 5 & 8 pm.
– JUDGING CARS –
9:00 – 9:30 am
– RACE START –
10:00 am SHARP!!
Please e-mail Loloawana@gmail.com for more information.
Official AWANA Grand Prix Rules
I. GENERAL RULES: (Applies to all Race Events)
G-1. Qualification: All registered Awana Cubbies, Sparks and T&T clubbers, and leaders may
design, build and enter cars that are eligible to participate in the annual “Awana Grand Prix"
event. Additionally, there will be an Open class race for Junior High, Senior High and Adults and
a Modified race open to everyone.
G-2. Essential Materials: All cars entered shall be constructed from the “Official Awana Grand
Prix Car Kit” (referred to below as the kit) with the exception of the Modified class. Kits will
be available during Awana nights. Refer to the list of important dates for when kits will be
available.
G-3. Competition Groups: There will be five competition groups: Cubbies, Sparks, T&T, Open,
and Modified Division. The number of competition groups may change, depending upon the
number of racers that enter. In the event, that entries are low Cubbies and Sparks will compete
as one class. Qualifying Cubbies, Sparks and T&T will compete in an overall race for speed.
G-4. Competition Events: There will be three competition events, “Speed”, “Creativity” and
“Design”.
● Speed Event – The 3 racers with the best positions in each division will receive
trophies. Additionally, there will be an overall race for Cubbies/Sparks and T&T.
● Design Event – All declared design cars will be evaluated for Representation (how well the
car resembles what automobile it is meant to be), and Kid Input (the effort that the clubber
made in building the car, see G-6).
● Creativity Event- All declared creativity cars will be evaluated for Originality, Creativity, and
Kid input (the effort that the clubber made in building the car, see G-6).
G-5. New Work: Construction of all entries MUST have begun AFTER the start of the current
Awana year. This excludes cars entered in the Modified division.
G-6. Adult Assistance: With the exception of the Open Division race, this is a joint child/adult
project. As such, the child is to participate in the design and construction of his/her car to best
of their ability. The adult is to provide guidance and assistance only as needed.
1. Expectations for Cubbies/Sparks includes but not limited to: Clubber must choose the
idea and color, must be present while work is being done and contribute to sanding.
2. Expectations for T&T includes but not limited to: Clubber must choose the idea and
color, must be present while work is being done, contribute to sanding and painting and
if the parent feels they are skilled they can contribute to cutting the car out (does not
apply to those using the saw at the church).
G-7. Attendance: Each racer MUST enter his/her own car. This means that the racer must be
present at registration to enter his/her car into competition. If an illness or another
circumstance occurs that keeps a clubber from attending, they may receive permission from
the race coordinator to have a substitute racer for their car.
G-8. Single Entry per Person: Only one car may be registered per racer participating in the
Grand Prix. Exception for Modified race- Racers of all ages ARE allowed to enter one car in their
division and a different car for the Modified race.
G-9. Inspection and Registration: Clubbers must enter their own car and each car must pass a
technical inspection before it may be registered and compete. (For exceptions: see G-7)
Technical inspection and registration of cars will be completed at Car Registration. Each racer
should submit his/her car during the registration period. If a clubber is unable to register
his/her car by the pre-race registration date, the clubber may submit his/her car during the
race day registration period. During registration each car will be declared Design or Creativity
and will be teched for correct measurements (See G-10). Clubbers need to know how many
hours they spent on car construction. The car will go into Impound at this time, and will not
be able to be altered in any way. Cars will be Impounded for judging until race day.
G-10. Failure to Pass Inspection: The Check-in Judges shall disqualify cars that do not meet the
rules as described herein. If a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the
reason his/her car did not pass. Cars that fail the race day inspection will only have until the
end of the registration period to make any necessary modifications; otherwise, the car will not
be allowed to compete in any of the events.
G-11. Car Numbers: Racers will be given a number for their car at registration (please do NOT
put any numbers on prior to race day). The car number shall be written on the bottom of the
car during registration.
G-12. Impound: Once a car passes the check-in inspection, it will be impounded. No car may be
altered in any way after it has passed the check-in inspection. (See T-9) However, if a car breaks
during the race or does not cross the finish, the Race Coordinator may direct that repairs be
conducted. Any car that is repaired or tuned up will go back through the check-in inspection.
II. GRAND PRIX RACE CAR DESIGN STANDARDS
T-1. Materials: Race cars shall be constructed for this event from the parts contained in the
Official Awana Grand Prix Kit (referred to below as the kit) as sold by Awana Clubs
International. Wheels and axles from the kit may NOT be replaced. The original kit wood
block needs to be used. You may add to the block but it must not exceed dimension
requirements when finished. (See T-5) The Race Coordinator will have spare wheels and axles,
if the ones from the kit are misplaced or get damaged. The Modified Class is exempt from this
rule but must meet and hold to all rules from T-4 to T-12.
T-2. Axles: The axles shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body, but use of the pre-
made axle grooves; in the wood block is not required. One-piece axles (e.g. Pine car axles) and
nails (e.g. BSA axles) are NOT allowed. The Modified Class is exempt from this rule but must
meet and hold to all rules from T-4 to T-12.
T-3. Wheels: Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) can NOT result in
substantial removal of mass nor in reducing the tread width (track contact) from the original kit
wheels. Wheel diameter is to be no less than 1.17 inches and wheel width is to be no less than
0.36 inches (back edge to sidewall, not including the thickness of the sidewall lettering),
according to the wheel inspection go/no-go gauge. Wheel tread surface must be cylindrical
(not rounded, beveled, cupped, etc.). The words “Awana Grand Prix” on the wheel face shall
remain intact and clearly visible to the inspector. All wheels are NOT required to touch the
track surface. The Modified Class is exempt from this rule but must meet and hold to all rules
from T-4 to T-12.
T-4. Weight: Race cars may weigh no more than five (5.00) ounces (total weight) as
determined on the official scale during the inspection and registration periods. The official
scale will be available at the workshops and during registration.
T-5. Car Dimensions (as determined by the official judges during check-in inspection):
● Wheel Distance: Approximately 1.75 inches between the wheels.
● Overall Width: Not exceeding 2.75 inches.
● Overall Length: Not exceeding 7.0 inches.
● Overall Height: Not exceeding 3.0 inches.
● Maximum Nose Height: Not to exceed 1.25 inches.
● Chassis Clearance: 3/8 inch minimum is recommended. Any car with less of a clearance will
be checked on the track to ensure that there will not be any interference with the track.
T-6. Weights and Attachments: Weights and attachments may be added to the car and will be
considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements. Weights and attachments are
considered to be any material on the car that is not provided in the kit. All weights and
attachments must be securely fastened to the car, i.e. by permanent glue, nails or screws, but
not by “sticky substances”, i.e. tape or tack spray. Weights and attachments shall be passive
(i.e. non-moveable, non-magnetic, non-sticky, etc.).
T-7. Unacceptable Construction: The following may NOT be used in conjunction with the
wheels or axles: bearings, washers, bushings, hubcaps, inserts, or sleeves. Materials that would
pose a hazard (e.g. mercury), with the exception of lead weights, are prohibited. It is
recommended that any lead weights be encased in the car or covered by paint.
T-8. Gravity Powered: The car shall not ride on any springs or suspension system, and it must
be free-wheeling. The race car may not be constructed or treated in such a way that the track's
starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car (e.g. sticky substances on the front of the car
and protrusions which may catch on the starting pin.)
T-9. Lubrication/Graphite: NO Graphite/Lubrication allowed in the building. Upon check-in, lubricants/graphite must not be dripping, falling out or otherwise be messy. Any excess lubrication/graphite is to be wiped off prior to check-in, so as not to foul the track. Once the car passes inspection and is impounded, any further lubrication/graphite will ONLY be administered by Pit Crew Personnel in that area, and only at the race coordinator’s direction. The penalty for not following this rule will result in one verbal warning. A second offense will result in a disqualification for modifications made after being impounded. This will be enforced by the race coordinator.
T-10. Staging: No part of the car may protrude beyond or over the leading (uphill) edge of the
starting pin. The uphill edge of the starting pin is the starting line, and no part of the car may be
over the plane of the starting line prior to the start of the race.
T-11. Car Repair: Within reason, and to be decided by Race Officials, if a car experiences
breakage during a race, the racer and their adult partner may be allowed a quick repair of the
car to enable the child’s continued participation. The car will be teched after being repaired, by
the race coordinator, before being allowed to race again.
T-12. Track Jumping: If during a heat a participant’s car jumps off the track or knocks another
car off the track, the race will be re-ran. If it occurs a second time the participant will be given a
chance to repair the car and the race will be done over again. If the participant’s car track jump
happens a third time the car will be disqualified.
III. CONDUCT OF THE RACES
Track officials are responsible for the proper conduct of the races. Decisions of track officials
on questions of rules interpretations and procedure may be appealed to the Race
Commissioner.
3.1 Inspection Gages:
The race-day “Check-In Area” will have the official scale, length box and clearance gauge.
Check-in equipment will be the official equipment for the race. (The same 5 oz. Master Weight
used for scale calibration at Pre-Race Inspection and Registration will also be available on race
day.
3.2 Race Day Lubrication:
There will be a “Lubrication Area” setup at the race. Lubrication may be applied before a car
passes inspection, but once a car is impounded, no further lubrication will be allowed.
3.3 Car Handling Responsibility:
Impound/Track officials shall be responsible, to retrieve the cars at the finish line (after the race
has been called) and return the cars to the “Staging Area” after the heat is finished.
3.4 Lane Assignment:
Lane assignments will be chosen at random, using race management software. To increase
fairness, each clubber will race on each of the 4 (four) track lanes during the preliminary round.
The finalists will also race on each of the four track lanes during the final round.
3.5 Car Interference:
If, during a race heat, a car leaves its lane and, in doing so, interferes with another racer, then if
applicable, 5 (five) minutes will be allowed to make repairs to the car and then the heat will be
rerun. If the problem occurs again, the car at fault will be disqualified and the heat will be
rerun, without the interfering car. (However, see 3.8.)
3.6 Car Leaves Lane:
If, during a race heat, a car leaves its lane but proceeds down the track in a manner that does
not interfere with its opponents and crosses the finish line, then the race will be called
normally. If the car doesn’t cross the finish line, then if applicable, 5 (five) minutes will be
allowed to make repairs and then the heat will be rerun. If the problem occurs again, the car at
fault will be disqualified and the heat will be rerun, without the interfering car. (However, see
3.8.)
3.7 Car Leaves Track:
If, during a race heat, a car leaves the track without interfering with its opponent then if
necessary, 5(five) minutes will be allowed to make repairs and then the heat will be rerun. If the
problem occurs again, the car at fault will be disqualified and the heat will be rerun, without the
problem car. (However,see 3.8.)
3.8 Track Fault:
If a car leaves its lane, the Official Starter will inspect the track and, if a track fault is found
which probably caused the violation, the Official Starter will order the race heat to be rerun
after the track is repaired.
3.9 Car Repair:
If, during the race, a wheel falls off or the car becomes otherwise damaged, then the clubber
may, to the best of his/her ability perform repairs with the assistance of his/her adult partner
or a Pit Crew member. If a car is damaged due to a track fault, or damage caused by another car
or person, then the Race Commissioner, may allow additional repair assistance to the clubber.
All car repairs will be conducted in the “Pit Area” and will be limited to 5 (five) minutes or until
the car is scheduled to race in its next heat, whichever is greater.
3.10 Call to Race:
When the clubbers is called by name, the clubber will report to the start line. If the clubber
does not respond, his/her name will be called again. If the clubber has not presented
himself/herself in time for the heat, the clubber will be disqualified for that race heat.
3.11 Final Round:
The 4 (four) fastest cars from the preliminary rounds will advance to the finals. There will be no
modifications or re-lubrication of cars allowed prior to the start of the final round.
3.12 The Race Area:
Only race officials may enter the “Race Area”. This rule will be strictly enforced.
3.13 Awards and Recognition:
The most important values in the Awana Grand Prix competition are adult/child participation,
good sportsmanship and learning how to follow rules. The Race Committee is responsible for
recognizing and encouraging these qualities in addition to traditional racing awards.