Run The Dragon (?)

Hey all, thinking of opening our monthly, in-person races to mail-in competitors and wanted to hear thoughts from folks in this group. If it seems like there's enough interest we'd set up an event here. 

I know that the far majority of mail-in racers want to see video of the action but because all of our races are in-person group (club) events we don’t officially video or have a YouTube channel. Results will be posted on our Facebook group page and here if we receive any entries from Redline Derby crowd.

We alternate track styles for each monthly meet with our January '26 race featuring our road course setup called DragonFire Raceway. The Dragon is a 46ft, dual-lane road course style track with separated lanes for the entire length and no open track. The track lanes are 100% printed by Spool Heads & consists of multiple banked turns, a chicane, multiple crossovers and a couple whumps for good measure. The timing system consists of a Derby Magic electronic finish gate linked to a Spool Heads start gate. If a car goes off track almost all surfaces are either padded or carpeted to help protect your ride. It’s a unique track that challenges everything assumed in “normal” downhill straight track racing.

The cars that typically do well on this track are mid-length castings with a low center of gravity, with minimal or no fenders that rub the walls. Weight does not seem to matter much as we have 30 gram lightweight completely stock castings  that run comparable times with the 70g heavyweights.

We alternate monthly between this track and more typical straight tracks to keep things interesting.

Mail-in entries would be ineligible for the Youth group because we want the young ones present for their race.

Here is the basic format and the rules for our races.

Tracks -

One of 3 different track layouts will be used at each event throughout the season.
46’ DragonFire Road Course

4 Lane Quarter Mile (21’8”) Drag Strip

4 Lane 36’ Crossover x 4 Drag Strip

We offer 4 race groups -

Sportsman Light - 45 grams & under                  
Hot Rod Heavy - 46 to 80 grams
Rip n Race                                         (Unopened Original packaging)
Youth - Up to 12 years old

Race Format -

Each group (Youth, Rip n Race, Sportsman Light & Hot Rod Heavy) make qualifying runs to establish a seed order for a single elimination bracket racing to determine a monthly event winner. Qualifying runs consist of 1 timed run in each lane with best time counting. 1 rerun per lane in the case of a DNF. Bracket sizes will be determined by the number of entries in each respective class.

Rules -

Any 1/64 brand - gravity power only
Max Length 3.5” Width 1.6” Height 2.0”
Max weight in all groups is 80 grams
Wet or dry lubricants are ok - NO EXCESSIVE LUBRICANTS or RESIDUE. Must pass inspection and a white paper test.
Disassembly to add weight and/or improve performance is permitted. Any added weight may be visible but must be fully contained within the original casting/body. No overhanging weight(s) permitted. Added weight contained within a truck style bed is ok, but it must be fully contained within the bed.
Any style/type of axle/wheels are ok.
Some events may have specific themes and each entry will need to fit the theme. Example; the January event is “Open” which means you can enter whatever casting you want. The February event may have an “American Muscle” theme which means any GM, Ford, Mopar casting is required. Themed events will be announced at the prior event.

All modifications are subject to the organizers review and final decisions. If you’re unsure, please ask.

Season Championship -

Qualifying times are also used to calculate an event points total. Event points are accumulated throughout the 12 event season. Your top 7 event points count towards points total with lowest event points dropped if you run more than 7. Highest total points in each group wins a 2026 DragonFire Track Champion Trophy.

Race entry is $5 per event. You may submit up to 4 separate entries  - 1 car in each of the 4 groups. (Youth only in the Youth group please) There will be a couple hours of open track time in the morning for testing. You must be a paid entrant to make any test runs. Entries must be submitted in advance of the racing to give us a chance to organize the races.

Let me know what you think.