Community Event
Your family is invited to rev up for Urban University’s 3rd Annual Pinewood Grand Prix!
Dates and Times
Friday, March 6 - Car Building Workshop
- 1017 French St., Erie, PA 16501
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- All materials are provided
- If you are a novice, we will provide you with a Pit Crew Coach!
- Location is the Erie City Mission
- Meal provided!
Saturday, March 7 - Race Day
- 1017 French St., Erie, PA 16501
- 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Location is the Erie City Mission
- Meal provided
| Divisions | Prizes for |
|---|---|
| 11 and under | Top 3 finishes per division |
| 12 to 17 years | Best in show |
| 18 yrs | Fastest |
Registration Information:
Registration fee per participant is $3.
This cost will cover two meals, your car kit, and basic accessories. Tools will be provided to shape, design, and create your car to compete on race day in both the Fastest and Best In Show divisions.
Advanced registration and payment are required by 11:59 am, Thursday, February 26. Once you have completed the registration, a payment link will be sent via email and text in which you will have four days to submit payment and complete registration.
Registrations are not complete until payment is received.
Due to ordering food and supplies in advance, we will not be able to accept registrations after this date or issue a refund after Sunday, March 1, if you must withdraw.
The Erie City Mission donors, sponsors, and volunteers have invested significantly to make this event possible. To respect and steward their contributions and time well, we ask that you register only if you can commit to participating both days.
ALL cars must be started and completed at the building session on Friday evening.
Official Race Rules
Cars must be fully assembled at Friday’s Build Event and submitted that night. No race-day check-ins allowed. Once a car passes inspection and is entered, only race committee members may handle it.
Car Dimension
- The front of the car must not extend past the starting pin when placed on the track.
- Maximum width: 3.5 inches (to avoid interfering with other lanes). Typical width with wheels: 2.75 inches.
- Ensure enough clearance underneath so the car does not rub the track or timer sensors.
Car Weight
- Maximum weight: 5.0 ounces. Example: 4.9 oz = OK, 5.0 oz = OK, 5.1 oz = NOT OK.
- The official race scale at check-in is final.
Car Modification
- All 4 wheels must be attached and functional.
- Cars must be free-wheeling. No springs, starting devices, or propulsion systems.
Race Format
- Racers are grouped by age: 11 & under, 12–17, 18+.
- Racers may move up to an older group but cannot move down.
- Each car races on all three tracks. Ranking is based on the average time of three runs.
- If a car is damaged or fails to finish: Racer has 5 minutes to repair and one solo run allowed to replace the missed race.
- Top cars from each age group enter a Super Group for the overall winner. Super Group cars race on all three tracks again, ranked by average time.
For more information, call 814-572-2365 or email ecmyouth@eriecitymission.org.
