Valve Cover Races

Valve Cover Racing is gaining popularity at many events across the country! Races are conducted similarly to gravity pinewood derbies except with an American valve cover instead of wood. Take a look at the samples here and the rules below and build one of your own so you can join in next time you are at an event that has valve cover racing. In California, we enjoy this event at the GOODGUYS RUNS, NSRA EVENTS, The STUDEBAKER DRIVER'S CLUB RUN, ORANGE COUNTY'S GREAT LABOR DAY RUN, and in Laughlin, Nevada, at the RODDIN ON THE RIVER RUN.

PICTURES FROM THE NSRA WESTERN NATIONALS RACES 23rd of MAY, 1998 - BAKERSFIELD, CA.

	While no rules exist for track design, most of the two lane tracks are usually 16 to 24 feet long and about 36 inches high at the start. Those with timing lights have them positioned at 1" above the track.
	Many of the larger events have identically prepared valve covers for use by children at the event.
	There is usually a starting device that ensures an even start by both valve covers.
	Some events have simple tracks of wood, while others have metal tracks with timing lights and win lights to eliminate guessing as to who won the event.
	Most events run double elimination races. Ownership of a valve cover is not required for these future rodders to enjoy the competition.

THE RULES VARY FROM EVENT TO EVENT AND GROUP TO GROUP, BUT BELOW ARE THE GENERAL RULES THAT MOST GROUPS FOLLOW WITH VERY LITTLE DEVIATION. CHECK WITH THE INDIVIDUAL EVENT FOR ANY DEVIATION FROM THESE RULES.

Basic Rules

15" Maximum Width - 30" Maximum Length - 10" Maximum Height - 10 lb Maximum Weight
6 lb Maximum Weight - Jr. Eliminator
Weight will be by Official Scales ONLY
NO Engines - NO Propulsion of ANY kind
One Valve Cover Per Chassis - No Switching Chassis or Cover
American Automotive Valve Covers ONLY with Stock Gasket Surface. (exception: Top Eliminator may have altered gasket surface - Sectioned, chopped, pinched, etc...still needs to be American Valve Cover.)
NOTHING (including wheels) can be mounted in front of either the Valve cover or chassis.
No moving or movable weight.

Classes

Stock: Any stock American manufacture valve cover unmodified. Basic rules apply. Non-metallic mass produced and readily available wheels.
Middle Eliminator: Basic rules apply except: 4" maximum diameter wheels only. Aftermarket unmodified valvecover. All wheels used, must be mass produced and readily available. R.C. car wheels must run tires (those without tires run in Top Eliminator class).
Top Eliminator: Run what ya brung. Basic rules apply. High tech wheels.
Junior Eliminator: Drivers/Owners up to 13 years old. Basic rules apply accept: 4" maximum diameter mass produced wheels only. All wheels must be readily available. (R.C. car wheels must run tires). 6 lb maximum weight.

Want to print a copy of the rules?