Derby racing has always been about bringing people together.

Doug Griffith, founder of the West Coast Grand Prix, knows all about how transformative this kind of competition and community can be. What began as an opportunity for shop class students to expand their skills and race interscholastically has become a rallying point for racers of all ages and experience levels. Doug pushes the boundaries on creativity and inclusivity with his event, and below, he shares just what goes into making it all happen.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

How long have you been involved with derby racing?

I believe my wife and daughters brought home kits in 2017. Our first races were in early 2018. Surprisingly enough, even though I'm an Eagle Scout, that was my first exposure. I was never in Cub Scouts and had never seen or heard of the Pinewood Derby before then.

Describe your earliest derby racing memory.

My girls and I competed at an event that wasn’t all that well organized. It wasn’t an ideal first experience, looking back. There was a lot we would have liked done differently.

When the three of us showed up at a later event in a nearby town, I remember thinking, wow, this is big! And, we are probably going to get beat today. We each had a car, myself included. My car had my first attempt at fenders. We ended up walking away with first, second, and third place.

What are a few tips every derby racer should know?

If you want to win:

• Research the rules, the track you are going to race on, and what actually makes a car fast. There is a lot of incorrect information out there. (Want to know what Doug’s talking about? Try Winning Secrets!)
• Don't worry about everyone else. Work on building your skills and your toolbox.

How did the West Coast Grand Prix come to be?

The event was started to give high school and junior high school students taking Career Technical Education (CTE) classes a chance to compete. These students learn about tools and how to use them, and they can pass normal shop classes with basic knowledge. To be competitive in the West Coast Grand Prix, they have to study for and pass additional safety tests, be creative, and stay on-task to complete their designed and built vehicles for race day. 

Rafer Johnson Junior High School in Kingsburg, California hosted the first event. Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Selma, California also participated, and there were entries from several additional states. We now have entries from all across the United States and even some international participants.

There are currently six racing divisions in the West Coast Grand Prix: Open 7th & 8th Grade, Open High School, Open Adults, 3D Printed Cars, Big Rig B, and Vintage 1953 Class. 

What are the specifics of Big Rig racing? 

For me and a few others, it is a lot more fun! The Big Rig-style cars are longer, they weigh more, they’re really cool to watch, and they’re rare to see in racing circuits. 

For middle school and high school divisional racing, students must design and construct their own cars with instruction and minimum assistance from their shop instructor or proficient adult.

Adult division racing is open to high school students and adults from anywhere.

Big Rig B is my favorite. 8 Wheels, 17-19" long.

Tell us all about the Vintage Class derby.

We have run the Vintage 1953 Class since we started. To me, it’s super cool to see the original-style cars with the original wheels and axles race. For a while, it was really hard to come by those wheels and axles. But, now that Pinewood Pro carries them, that is a big help. I personally have worked really hard to build a couple of cars to the original rules using current knowledge in an effort to replicate current times turned on a 42' Best Track.

What advice do you have for race managers?

Recruit more help! Running an event of any size takes a lot of time and effort, not to mention space, storage, etc. Live streaming and/or recording races is cool, especially for those who proxy their cars. Kids get a whole different perspective seeing their car race on the big screen.

Pinewood Pro is a proud sponsor of the West Coast Grand Prix.

For even more speed secrets and expert advice, check out our Winning Secrets series. Feeling inspired? Start planning your next car here!