The 2023 Nerdy Derby is upon us! Here is the Event Schedule and Race Format (subject to change as circumstances necessitate):
The Derby will start at 1 pm with a spectacular remote control Air Show presented by members of the Tucson Remote Control Club, while race entrants check in their cars and get entered into brackets.
Gravity Track races will be run in brackets of 16 cars at a time. Entrants who pre-registered will have priority in bracket placement, and all entrants will be placed in brackets in order of check-in at the event. Each bracket will first be run on a traditional Cub Scout pinewood derby track with each car getting four runs, one on each track. The car from each group that wins the most runs in that group will move on to a four car final on our one-of-a-kind Thrills and Hills track before an overall winner will be declared and receive praise and glory! Brackets will continue until all cars have run or until we run out of time, whichever comes first.
R/C pilot lessons will take place on the airstrip following the Air Show and will continue as TRCC volunteer capacity allows. Again, student pilots who pre-registered will get priority in getting fly time. Chances to try out flying are available thanks to the TRCC volunteers who are willing to share their time, talents, and valuable R/C equipment with student pilots, so their capacity to give instruction will determine how many student pilots get a chance with the controls.
The Propulsion Showcase and Rocket Launches will take place mid-event after or during a break in the R/C lessons as we are able to set up to facilitate.
All entrants of a car or rocket will be entered for door prize drawings throughout the event! Must be present to claim your prize. Trophies will be awarded based on overall effort, innovation, and creativity in design (not necessarily performance) in the following categories: Most Innovative Use of Propulsion; Highest Flying Rocket; Gravity Track Champion; Rube Goldberg Award; and Most Creative Design.
Throughout the Derby, food will be available for purchase from a variety of food trucks and our snack and drink concession stand. The Dragoon Brewery Beer Garden will have several varieties of beer as well as margaritas and hard seltzers on hand for purchase as well. An assortment of hands-on STEM activities will also be happening to check out.
We are excited to enjoy a beautiful Tucson day with you all tomorrow and look forward to seeing you there!