Welcome to Commander Dave's Grand Prix Page

A Grand Prix a.k.a. Pinewood Derby is an oppertunity to build a small wooden car
and race against others on a gravity powered wood or aluminum track.
I have even seen a track made from plexiglass.
By far the easiest way to judge the finish order and time is an electronic finish line detector.
Also the addition of race management software makes keeping track of who races who,
who won which race and who is up next much easier, allowing everyone including the
peolpe running the Grand Prix to have more fun.

Here are some Pictures from some Grand Prix races I have run.

Here are some of my Favourite Sites for Grand Prix:

GrandPrix Race Management Software Central, http://grandprix-software-central.com
You can also find comparisons and explanations of how different race methods work.
Comparisons with other software and their capabilities and much more.

GrandPrix Race Central, http://grandprix-race-central.com
Many pages of information and links to Pinecar Derby sites, including software, tracks and electronics.

Derby Talk, http://derbytalk.com
A forum to discuss racing methods and equipment of all types.

Electronic Finish Line Detectors and Timers

Micro Wizard and Derby Timer are two manufacturers of Serial Port Timers that also
make their product available in Kit form to reduce cost.
I have additional information on putting together the components into a more
versatile configuration for your Electronic Finish Line Detector.
This option can be built for $60-$100

News Break - - Changes in Software and Hardware availability has forced a change in types of timers used.

I have plans for a Four Lane Parallel Port Electronic Finish Line that is used with
a computer and race management software. This detection device can be assembled for
under $40 if you buy parts wholesale. Unfortunately fewer Laptop computers are coming
with Parallel Ports these days and the new Operating Systems are causing latency between the
software and the hardware possibly making timing less accurate. If you have an older computer
running Windows XP or earlier and GPRM Version 6.0.7 or earlier this will work fine.

Build your own Track ... or buy one.

If you want to build your own track I have two slightly different designs available here.
Both designs are for a four lane tack, approx. 35 feet in length with a 30 foot race surface start to finish.
You could easily modify these plans for a longer track.
My Plans are an updated version of the original Awana Blueprints. (this is a 333kb pdf file)
And a friend of mine, Doug's plans. (this is a 794kb pdf file)
A different design using a very secure joining method and a little heavier construction.
Both of these will cost about $200-$250 for materials and approximaately 8 to 24 hours
plus paint and varnish. Time will very depending on familiarity with tools and procedures.

You could also use these plans as a base for dimensions and create your own design.

There are of course many commercially available tracks if you don't want to build your own
and you have the funds available. Most aluminum tracks are expensive, but one of the
strongest I've found is Best Track. While another popular one is from Piantedosi Oars .
Paintedosi have both Wood and Aluminum Tracks.

You get to make cool looking cars and race them against other clubbers on a really cool track with a
computerized finish line, and take the guess work out of racing, what could be better.

Send your comments and questions to our