That’s right – The Royal Ranger Pinecar Derby is coming soon, and this year’s Derby promises to be the most exciting race ever. This year, in addition to the Air Hockey, Foosball, and Pinecar races, we have added even more excitement to our Mario Kart Station.
We now have Mario Kart Live Circuit, and we will be racing those unique little RC cars all day. So pick your car – Are you a Mario or Luigi person, and get ready to level up.

What Is Ranger Derby?
Now, some new families may be unsure what this whole Ranger Derby is. Ranger Derby is an exciting time for the families at Fellowship Wesleyan Church. The participants start with a bare block of wood, then plan it, cut it, shape it, and paint it into their favorite colors and design. They add wheels and weights to the car, test it several times and wait for race day. We really encourage the kids to create their own designs.
But the action starts way before the Derby.

Everyone Is Invited
That’s right! Boys, Girls, Moms, Dad’s, and cousins can grab a car and try their hand at racing a car or the best design. You just have to get an official Ranger Derby Car Kit – it is different from the ScoutsBSA Derby Car Kit – build a car and race. There are two categories: The Fastest Car and the Best Design. And don’t forget, every participant is automatically entered into the Mario Kart Live Circuit Tournament.
The Details
We have to build the cars. We will begin to build cars starting the Wednesday we get back from vacation and will continue until February 2.
The race will run on Saturday, February 5th with registration starting at 9 AM; judging for the best show car will be at 10 AM, and the racing will begin (if all goes as planned) around 10:30.
We will be building cars every Wednesday in January, but your vehicle must be cut by January 26. If you do not, we may not be able to cut it for you; you might have to do it at home. Parents are welcome to help their sons build if they want to.
In fact, we would love to have parents stay at Rangers and hang out with their kids. See what they do at Royal Rangers and help them build their car. Ranger Derby is fun – But doing it with your parent is even more fun!
The event cost is $10.00, including one Official Ranger Derby Car Kit, a set of car weights, and the race entrance fee. Also, bring your appetites because pizza, chips, soda, and coffee will be available after 11 for purchase as a fundraiser.

Race Day
We will run the races by groups starting with our Pre-School age through second grade. Then we will race third through fifth graders, followed by sixth-grade students and up. And finally, we will still be running our most competitive class: The Open Class. The Open Class is for anyone who is not in our Children’s ministry groups or does not use the sanctioned Ranger Derby car kit. This is for parents, leaders, or anyone else who wants to join the fun.
The Rest Of The Story
Lastly, we will be having a trial run/pit night Friday the night before the race (i.e., January, 28th) from 6 – 8 PM. If you want to do any final adjustments or trial runs, the track will be up and running for you to try your car ahead of time. This is an excellent opportunity for you to really tweak your car, so it goes as fast as possible. The lanes will not be open for practice on race day, so if you want to see your car run ahead of time – this is your opportunity!
At A Glance Schedule
Activity | Date | Time |
---|---|---|
BUILD CARS | WEDNESDAYS JAN 5 – FEB 2 | 6:30 – 8 PM |
EARLY REGISTRATION | WEDNESDAY, FEB 2 FRIDAY, FEB 4 | 7 – 8 PM |
PIT PRACTICE NIGHT EARLY REGISTRATION | FRIDAY, FEB 4 | 6-8 PM |
RACE DAY REGISTRATION | SATURDAY, FEB 5 | 9-10 AM |
TOP DESIGN JUDGING | SATURDAY, FEB 5 | 10-10:30 AM |
RANGER DERBY RACE | SATURDAY, FEB 5 | 10:30 – 1 PM |
MARIO KART LIVE CIRCUIT PRACTICE (2 LAPS) MUST BE REGISTERED | SATURDAY, FEB 5 | 9 AM – 10:30 AM |
MARIO KART LIVE CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT (2 LAPS) MUST BE REGISTERED | SATURDAY, FEB 5 | 9 AM – 10:30 AM |
