The Grand Prix Organizer

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Doing a Derby?

Available as a text book or an e-book

buy it now!
     

 The complete how to
Plan your Pinewood Derby

  
   

Do a Derby

 

 TM
 
No matter how big or small a Derby you are planning, you will value the information in this reference.
Do a DerbyTM is 100 pages of the most comprehensive resource available today for those organizing a Pinewood Derby or Grand Prix, Kub Kar racing, rain-gutter regattas, and other kid racing events.
Do a DerbyTM is the accumulation of literally decades of experience from those doing Pinewood Derbies and Grand PriX. 
You will consider all the aspects of organizing a Derby …
  • Why do a Derby?
  • What are the different aspects of the Derby?
  • What is a Derby organizational time line?
  • How to budget for a Derby;
  • What are the leadership roles and what is involved in them?
You will get ideas of …
  • How to make your Derby better
  • The Derby as a fund raiser
  • How to add more excitement
  • How to make your Derby a community outreach event
  • How to do more effective publicity
Take a look at Do a DerbyTM's major chapters and sub-headings:

 

 

  
Topic
Description

I.

  

Introduction

 

II.

  

A Goal for Your Derby
Why are you doing the Derby? Let's think about the goals. The goals drive everything that you do and make the Derby work as a whole.

III.

  

Basic Project Management
Organizing a Derby is basic project management: What, When, Who and How much?

IV.

What Do You Need?

Leaders

Location

Equipment
A comprehensive list and discussion of the elements of the Derby so you do not leave anything out. Pick and choose the elements that fit your plan.

V.

  

Planning Calendar

3-6 months in advance

2 months in advance

5 weeks in advance

2-3 weeks in advance

A few days in advance

Day of the race

Day of the race Order of Events
What do you do when? Don't get caught short on scheduling. Follow this planning calendar and you will avoid unnecessary crises. (You cannot avoid all of them, but you can minimize them!)

VI.

  

Budgeting

Calculate car kit costs

Calculate award costs

Calculate car kit sales price

Estimate snacks budget

Total Derby Day Cost Estimates
Get a handle on how much is this whole thing going to cost? Consider all the elements of where the money will go and what money will come in (yes, there are revenues!).

VII.

  

Room Arrangement

Room elements

Room arrangement

Functional areas

Directions and safety