Programs

Dear Pumpkin Race Participants,

We would like thank you for registering for our inaugural Pumpkin Derby Race which will take place this Saturday, October 26th at Wasserman Park as part of the during the Town of Merrimack’s Annual Halloween Party. The first race begins at 2:15 pm and additional races will go approximately every 5 minutes thereafter.

On Saturday, you will check in at the Parks & Recreation table, which will be located near the entrance to the Function Hall at the top of our race course. You can check in anytime during the event, which begins at 12:00 pm and leave your pumpkin racer near the check in table while you enjoy the Halloween Party festivities.

Our judges will review your pumpkins to ensure that they meet the required rules listed below and let you know which heat your pumpkin will be going in. All racers should check in to the starting area no later than 2:10 pm for line up and a review of the rules.

RACE RULES

• Craft your pumpkin using a single real pumpkin

• Your pumpkin must have two independent axles. While the pumpkin can be hollowed out; it must retain its pumpkin shape.

• The axles must penetrate into the pumpkin and support it. You cannot create a chassis and have the pumpkin simply sitting upon it. The front and rear axle cannot connect to each other.

• No power assisted pumpkins, no motors, batteries, fans, pyrotechnics or explosives. Derby pumpkins must be GRAVITY powered only.

• Your racer cannot have bumpers, sharp objects, or cages surrounding the pumpkin.

• There will be a random drawing out of a hat to choose where you will line up your racer on. The race itself is simple. You will put your Pumpkin Racer on the starting block, and on go, let ‘er roll! There will be barricade, which is raised by event staff on go to ensure that no one goes off the starting line early.

• There is no pushing or helping your pumpkin off of the starting line. All races are single elimination. Be aware; that pumpkins may bump into each other; which is unavoidable, there be no do overs.

• The pumpkin racer that crosses the finish line first is the winner. Each heat will have its own race winner.

RACE TIPS:
• The best way to build a fast pumpkin racer is to make sure the axles are parallel so it will roll straight down the track. If the axles aren’t straight, then the racer may veer off to the side.

• Make sure that your wheels spin freely and that you have enough ground clearance. Make certain your axles are securely attached using nuts and washers. The race takes place on the Park Road which has bumps and dips in it.

• The biggest pumpkins are not necessarily the fastest pumpkins.

• Have fun making your pumpkin for the race. Pick a theme and be creative!


PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
• Fastest pumpkin in each race heat.

• Most creative design/decoration

• Most spectacular crash

Each winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.