The Kar Derby is back!
Fire up your engines folks and get ready for the 36th running of the Kiwanis Kar Derby on Saturday June 7th, 2025. Purchase kits now to build your cars and/or get registered for the races. This annual action-packed and fun-filled family thriller is a favourite of children and families for many years. The event takes place at the north end of Rideau Park, Rideau Street and Lorne Avenue. Children race their cars against each other all day until our Grand Champions emerge, with prizes in many categories and age groups. Prizes are also awarded for innovative and creative cars. Everyone is a winner at this event, including spectators. Every child between the ages of 8 and 14 can participate in the races. If you need help or sponsorship to participate, you can still contact us as we have a limited number of sponsored cars and registrations provided by our supporters in the community. Please go to our website links, and see information below to get started.
Age groupings for boys and girls as at December 31st of the race year: (8 and 9), (10 and 11) and (12 to 14)
Trophies are presented to the winners and runners up in each age group.
Trophies are awarded for the Best Design, Most Original and Best Decorated cars. Photos and medallions available for every registered race participant.
Registration and Car Kits: All participants must use the official Derby Car Kits which provide wheel, axle, steering and braking mechanisms for the basic car frame. Beyond that, use your imagination! Car Kits plus one registration can be purchased from the Kiwanis Club of Brandon by individuals or by a supporting Business for $250.00. This includes first year registration for one child. Start early to have your car ready for the races. Registration for one driver is $125.00. You can have a second driver using the same derby car by paying an additional $125.00, provided the driver is in a different age group.
Refreshments and food are available all day at the Kiwanis Kitchen in the Rideau Park Centennial Pavilion. Enjoy hot dogs, smokies, cold drinks and other goodies.
Schedule of Events: Registration, car inspections and judging start at 8:30 AM. Practice races start at 9:00 AM. Main event starts at 10:00 AM. Every driver guaranteed a minimum of three races. Double elimination, winners keep racing until Champions are determined.
Some of our favourite entries. Bring your imagination and join the fun! Start building your car early so you are ready for the races…
Car Kit used to build a Derby Car. Basic frame and instructions are provided, car design is yours to create.
Kits and information are available from karderby@kiwanisclubofbrandon.ca, or phone Darren Wright at 204-729-7670, or Brian Manns at 204-573-1102 or 204-725-0774. We often have previously built cars available for purchase, and a limited number of sponsorships are available. Contact Darren Wright or Brian Manns for more information at karderby@kiwanisclubofbrandon.ca.
If you have a Derby Car you no longer need, please consider donating the car back to the Kiwanis Car Derby so we can get them back into use by the next generation of drivers.
KAR DERBY SITE LAYOUT
1) Registration: Report here first thing in the morning. Driver numbers assigned.
2) Car inspection after registration. Photo area. Awards presentation at end of races.
3) Starting Gate and launch ramps for all races. Race master and winners board.
4) High speed raceway down Rideau Street.
5) Race finish line. Race judges. Winners of each race announced by the Race Judges.
6) Car pick-up and return area. Drivers walk up Rideau Street sidewalks. Cars will be returned for you by our staff to the Car drop off area (#7) where you can pick them up.
7) Car drop off.
8) Race preparation and staging area. All cars report here and must remain parked at the side of the road until their numbers are called for their races.
9) Kiwanis information booth. 50/50 tickets. Kiwanis coupon booklet sales.
10) First aid
11) Toilettes
12) Pit Stop. Broken cars needing repair report immediately to the Pit Stop.
13) Kiwanis Kitchen in the Rideau Park Centennial Pavilion. Food and Refreshments.
14) Parking areas
15) Sponsor board
