STOCK
(Single engine. Limited mods.)
The Stock class of machines are single engine power tools with no motor modifications or non-standard power sources (i.e. engine and power source needs to be box stock).
Racers
TOP FUEL
(Multi-motor. Open mods.)
The Top Fuel class is the most liberal and possibly the most entertaining. Multiple motors, unusual power sources and all modification are legal.
BUILD-A-SANDER DIVISION (18 & under)
(Full-throttle arts & crafts)
We provide a belt sander and decorations (think Art Cars) for building the day of the event from 2-4pm with belt sander racing at 4pm. It's up to you to design a masterpiece. This is a great opportunity for kids to show off their flex their creativity and compete for a trophy. All competitors in this division receive a suitable-for-framing certificate and VIP seating for event.
Please note: Build-a-sander registration is per vehicle. Depending on numbers, participants may be teamed up into "pit crews." The sanders will stay with the Idea Foundry and be On Tour for the next year making appearances at other community events.
BUILD SESSIONS
Work with our tools & machinery at the Columbus Idea Foundry (sorry, no racer parts provided) Registration as a Racer is required. Regular usage charges for welding, CNC & other materials may apply.
The Columbus Idea Foundry is a community workshop, learning center and occasional art gallery. Monthly memberships are available to the general public for use of our tools (woodworking, metalworking, welding, plasma cutting and CNC), as well as computer lab (internet, electronics, embedded control, digital arts software, sketching, photography and more). If you have a project, come build it here!
WHEN: WED. AUG. 4th, 11th & 18th
WHERE: IDEA FOUNDRY - 2038 Leanord Ave - Get Directions
THE RACE
The drag strip is 75' of reasonably flat plywood track. There will be another 20' or so to slow down with added semisoft material to help with the deceleration of the faster entries. Racers will run on parallel wood tracks 1' wide with 2" X 4" rails on either side. We will make every effort to maintain the straightness and accuracy of this track, but expect some variation and bumps at the joints. FREE ADMISSION for spectators so bring friends.
WHEN: SAT. AUG. 21st, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
WHERE: IDEA FOUNDRY - 2038 Leanord Ave - Get Directions
PRIZES
Ohio Power Tool & Irwin Tools – two of the event sponsors have donated several prize packages, with total value of several hundred dollars, which will include tools from popular brands such as Irwin, Bosch , DeWalt, Milwaukee, Craftsman & others. Prizes will be awarded for Best looking Belt Sander Racer, Best Looking Power Tool Drag Racer, Winner of Stock Tournament & Winner of Top Fuel Tournament. Additional prizes will available and could be given for categories to come which may or may not include slowest, ugliest, best crash, etc.
In addition there will be custom build trophies for the tournament winners!
Fans
Even if you don't have the nuts or bolts to race, you can still be a part of one of the most uniquely insane events in the country. Bring your friends to see what happens hardware goes hardcore. It's fun. It's freaky. It's free.
ADMISSION: FREE
WHAT TO BRING
- Family, friends & fanatics
- Sunblock
- Lawnchairs
- Vuvuzela or other noisemaker
A FULL DAY OF FUN!
Check out these all-day events:
WIN, LOSE OR DRAW!
New for 2010 - The Ohio Tool Racing Championships Trackside Sign Competition. We'll provide posterboard and markers! You bring the creative juices. The best poster we see in the crowd will win a commemorative T-shirt and other fun prizes.
ART AUCTION
Work from various members of the Idea Foundry community will be on display at the event and available for bidding. More details on specific artists and work will be available soon!
SHOP DEMOS
Race day is also your chance to peek inside the Idea Foundry and see what some of CBUS' most ingenious minds are working on. Some of the demos going on through out the day will include Blacksmithing, Art Car Design, woodworking, CNC production and more!
NOM NOM NOMS
Hotdogs, snacks & refreshments will available for purchase to keep you topped off.
WHEN: SAT. AUG. 21st, STARTING AT 2:00PM
Rules
RACING CLASSES
Machines in all classes are based on handheld power tools. A handheld power tool is a machine intended for handheld operation by one individual. A machine primarily used on a stationary mount, or rolled on wheels, or used by a group of people is not a hand tool for the purposes of this event. This event is limited to hand tools powered by standard 40 amp 120 AC electric power cords except Top Fuel which is also open to your own power source if you would prefer such as battery, gas engines or other Hand Tool power supplies. Examples of hand tools are machines like belt sanders, angle grinders, circular saws, drills, chainsaws, weed wackers, vibrators, etc. Examples of things that are NOT hand tools are things like lawnmowers, floor sanders, generators, bench grinders, etc. No vehicles built from RC cars allowed, cause they are boring.
AC electrical cords will be 100' long per lane, originating at the starting line. They will have standard Edison 3-prong connectors. You will be responsible for "coiling" the cord on the ground or laying it along side the track for your run. No spools or cord guides allowed, but duct tape will be provided so you can tape the connector together. Tangles or poor cord feed is your responsibility.
STOCK
(Single engine. Limited mods. Built on own)
The Stock class of machines are single engine power tools with no motor modifications or non-standard power sources (i.e. engine and power source needs to be box stock). Propulsion can be direct drive to track via the original blades, belts, etc, or via a custom gear/chain/tire configurations. Frames, wheels, guide rails, etc can be added as desired. Any motor or power type is allowed. But all "motors" must have originated in a hand power tool and be in their original form, with original power source driving it.
TOP FUEL
(Multi-motor. Open mods. Built on own)
The Top Fuel class is the most liberal and possibly the most entertaining. Multiple motors, unusual power sources and all modification are legal.
- A tool is a human built artifact that extends the capabilities of the human body and/or mind.
- Power tools are those subset of tools intended to do some type of augmented physical or mechanical work, causing a useful and/or desired physical effect in the world.
- Qualifying "tools" must have been in their original use hand-held. Tools originally intended for permanent mounting or wheeled operation are NOT hand-held power tools.
- The potential energy which expresses itself as kinetic energy during the operation of the tool (i.e. during the race), can be carried with the tool, or by any desired manner of external sources and conduits.
- The tool/vehicle ITSELF must travel down the track. This means that the entire mass of the tool must start BEHIND the line (no prestaging of any part of the vehicle ahead of the starting line), and the entire mass of the tool must travel down the track and through the finish line. Mass lost during run towards the expression of kinetic energy is fine.
- "Vehicles" at risk of lift off and audience collision will be encouraged to use a zipline. We will provide one if there is interest. Contact us ahead of time so we can coordinate.
- Anything that is not specifically prohibited is permitted.
Due to the nature of the event these machines can be very fast and very dangerous. ALL entries for any class MUST REGISTER their machine and know their class ahead of race day and be inspected prior to racing to make sure they will stay on the track and out of the audience. We also reserve the right to say "no, unsafe" at any time for whatever reason(s) we find relevant.
Results
2009 CHAMPIONSHIP
This was our first year running the race and overall everything went great. We held the race in the warehouse because of thunderstorms that never came but it worked out because of the even track. In total there were 10 racers, 50+ spectators and everyone had a good time. After the races the overwhelming response was "I can't wait for next year," "this is what I'm doing next time," "I'm bringing all my friends" and "I can't wait to build one."
WINNER: MATT'S STOCK CUSTOM
Roller's Carl Kirby
Alison's Caputed Toy
Becca's Stream of Consciousness
WINNER: TJ'S POWER ROD (A.K.A. THE PIG)
Jay's Flying Toaster
E. Gordon Gee Racer
Alex's Bratzmobile
Mike's Little Cranky
Jolly Taint Monkey
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
- Johnny Roller
- http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=992975C67ABD64D0
Sponsors
SPREADING THE WORD
- CopTool
- The Garage Slab Magazine
- HandyManClub - Handy Magazine
- ToolMonger
- Woodworking - About.com
- HomeFixated
- Pro Tool Reviews
- ToolGuyd
- Extreme How To Magazine
- MyFixItUpLife - Radio Show
- Tool-Rank
- Contractor Supply Magazine
- ToolSnob
- Rockler BuzzSaw
Get added to the list, just write about the event and let us know.
Contacts
Questions about the race, rules, qualifications, sponsorships, etc. please email:
ToolRaces@columbusideafoundry.com
Questions about the Columbus Idea Foundry, please visit:
www.columbusideafoundry.com