THE RULES (version 1.1, updated 4/1/09 and subject to change)
RACING CLASSES:
Machines in all classes are based on hand-held power tools. A hand held 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.
Here are the details on the classes.
*Stock* (Single engine. Limited mods. Built during workshop)
The Stock class is intended for those that do not have much building experience but plan on attending the workshop before the event. Materials to build the drag racers will be provided in the workshop and therefore power will be limited and parts will generally be very similar. 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.
*Super Stock* (Single engine. Limited mods. Built on own)
The Super 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.
1. A tool is a human built artifact that extends the capabilities of the human body and/or mind.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. "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.
7. 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 (register on http://thefusefactory.org) 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.
THE TRACK:
The drag strip is 75' of reasonably flat plywood track. There will be another 30’ or so to slow down with added blankets and futons 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. The wood track will look something like this:
