Can I join?

Yes. We need participants at every level.  But driving is NOT for everyone.  And we want to make sure you have what it takes to run with us safely and successfully.  We're not saying we aren't' open to new blood, we are. Read the build rules and if you're into it, perhaps we can fit you in.

If you need help with your build, register on the Message boards and let us know!  Someone will be happy to help you out.

If you are not into driving, or don't have a car yet, we do need volunteer helpers.  There is a lot to do on a race day!  We need help with traffic control, getting everyone in line at the start, chase cars, tow cars, camera people, etc.  So even if you arn't driving, we can use you!

What are the rules for the cars?

We get this one a lot. Everything you need to know is in the Rules section.

Can girls race too?

Yes. We have women drivers!  Other groups have had women drivers who did a race or two and quit.  But yes ladies, you're welcome to come race with us.  Just don't expect any special privialages because you are a girl!

When do you race?

The FIRST Sunday from March through December. We also do one night time race (the Turkey Run) The week before Thanksgiving.   Note, we used to run the second Sunday of the month, but we have changed our dates to the FIRST Sunday of the month so don't have conflicting dates with the NJUSBF.  This allows us to run with them and them to run with us.

Can I borrow a car to use?

Can I sponsor a racer or races?

We want all the drivers to have some input in how things are done, we like to get some feedback now and again. New hills are always a good thing as ways to streamline the racing to make set up and races go smoother. If you have ideas or comments feel free to e-mail us. Before you do this however, please make sure you read the following guidelines to avoid unnecessary BS. 

*Safety is a concern, keep in mind that some drivers and cars cannot perform in ultra-intense situations. Some of the courses are short and easy so everyone can have some fun, we're not trying to skirt death. Keep this in mind when looking for new hills and be sure to read the guidelines for course selection carefully. There are bigger, more death-defying hills out there, we want everyone to finish the races and go home intact, not on a stretcher, please keep this in mind. 

*Wining is not important, being involved is, this is a group activity. Ideas and suggestions that are only to make certain kinds of cars and drivers win will be discarded out of hand. If you want the rules set up so you win every time, you need to re-think why you're doing this. Just replace the words "win" or "victory" with the word "snowman", that's how important it is.

* Just because you complain about things often does not mean you get your ideas pushed through. The squeaky wheel does not get the grease. 

* Saying things like "Do this or I'll stop racing." will get no response, in fact we'll be glad you're gone. Ultimatums don't work. 

* Personal conflicts are not ours to arbitrate. You can't like everyone you meet. 

* Keep your ideas on group fun and longevity, put the group before the individual.

Some failed ideas:

Elimination Heats.

NO NO NO NO! What if we get one heat in and the cops come and break it up, what then? The other half of the racers get to just pack it up and not race? Flying start, all cars at once, not going to do it any other way. Don't ask.

Tell us where the course is.

No. Too much lurking around the course, the desire to run it before the race may be too strong. Out of town racers have no ability to see or test the course, it keeps things fair as they can be. We don't want to burn out the spots. We've spent countless hours locating these courses, we don't want to mess it up. Veteran drivers will know where the course is based upon the meet location, this does not mean we want people going up there, nor should you go around telling people where it's at. Our commando style set-up ensures that we get to get in at least one race, normally two.  There are few really good hills in the valley that work for the large number of drivers we have. We'd have to do some serious out-of-town trekking to find new hills. Please follow the game plan.

Some suggestions that are now rules:

No more fast cars in the back.

The playing card line up is as fair as it gets, we made this change after many drivers expressed a desire for a better system.

Brake inspections:

After some close calls with failed brakes, drivers suggested that we do brake checks so we don't have cars going out of control.

We need a tech page so driver can get help building their cars.

We got that now, check it out.

How it all  Works

Prior to any race date, the secret Meeting Location will be announced on the Message Boards.  It may also be announced on event fliers and the web site, but officially it is on the message boards, so look for it there!

We generally try to meet near the course at some sort of easy gathering place.  A shopping center or other parking lot where everyone can park and gather.

We have a quick Driver’s Meeting to describe the course and any other important information concerning this event. This is the time to ask any last minute questions about the event.  This is NOT the time to have us explain all the rules to you and tell you how things are generally done.  You are supposed to know that BEFORE you show up.  This Driver’s Meeting applies ONLY to the course and event we are about to run.

The Driver’s Meeting will conclude with the card draw for starting positions.

We will then do our work assignments for our volunteers.

At this point, everyone will make their way to the starting area of the course and get their gear unloaded. 

This is the time to be quick and quiet!  If we take too long, or make too much noise, we draw unwanted attention and give the cops time to show up.  We need to get unloaded, set up and started as quickly as possible in order to get our run in before the Law arrives.

As soon as our course workers are in place, we will ask the drivers to bring their cars to their starting positions.

This will be followed by a call of “DRIVER’S READY?”  Respond ONLY if you are NOT READY!  And be aware, this may not be enough to hold the field from the official start.  We may start without you!  But if we can, we will try to make sure everyone is ready to go.

At this time, we have the “3 – 2 – 1 – RELEASE THE BRAKE” Starter command by the Designated Starter for the event.

We may have Chase Trucks or Cars follow the field down the course.  Their job is to try to block other motorized vehicular traffic from interfering with the run.  They are also our first responders should we have an incident during the run.  And they may also be doing the job of video and still photographer.  These duties will depend solely on who we have to perform them.  We may not have anyone available to do this.

The first car to reach the finish line is the winner.   We may have an official at the bottom of the course to score the cars as they finish.  But, we may also have to rely on the Honor Method of finishing positions.

On most courses, we will try to have a designated pull off area.  This will be covered in the Driver’s Meeting.  After crossing the Finish, try to bring your car to a controlled stop in this designated area.  Keep in mind others will be finishing behind you, so give them room.  This is a safety issue so we don’t have cars stopping in the middle of motorized traffic.

Following this run, we will try to get all the cars back up the hill as quickly as possible so we can do a few fun runs before we have to disperse.  So if you want to run again, get you car ready to be taken back up the hill as soon as you can.

The winner for the first run will be awarded the Trophy for the win.  Unlike other groups that have one trophy that gets passed from winner to winner each month, We have One trophy for EACH event.  It becomes the property of the race winner and is theirs to keep and display proudly for eternity!

The Skunk trophy will also be awarded to the last finisher of the event. 

To be considered a finisher, you must make it to the finish line ONLY under the power of gravity.  You can not push, pull, or drag your car to the line and be considered a finisher.  You must drive it.  And you must drive it the entire length of the course.  If you crash or brake down and can’t drive it to the finish, you will not be considered a finisher.

Following the days events, we may all meet at a local restaurant or watering hole to do a little socializing and bench racing.

Or E-Mail us at gravity@downhillmisfits.com