Several Coasters took a road trip to OKC this past Sunday to attend and participate in the Rebuilding Together Construction Derby. This was part of our Weekend Of Gravity Racing In Oklahoma. This race was different from others as it required a 6 person team consisting of a driver, 4 pushers and 2 recovery people. The pushers have a 15 foot run to push and get the racer rolling down the hill. Once at the bottom the retrievers would catch the racer and push it up to the scales. This type of race gets more people involved and with the pushers has a huge effect on how well the racer does. As a group we had 3 racers competing. Wess and his racer Transcendence, Thad in Second Wind and me driving Thad's Radio Flyer. For being the first time at this event and this type of race the Coasters did an excellent job. It didn't take the Pushers long to perfect their method and to push me and the Radio Flyer (aka "the Wittle Wed Wagon") to a 2nd place win in the amateur category. The Radio Flyer also took the "Best Exemplifies RT Mission" award. Thad competed in the Pro class and got some good runs in but was eliminated before the finals. Wess after one practice run and a time trial run had an axle break. He and Dave hauled the racer over to the Ozarka teams shop where they were able to weld it back together. After returning with the fixed wheel he unfortunately broke the steering rod and wasn't able to compete. Lucky for Wess though his racer looks fast even when sitting still.
The racers weren't the only thing breaking down. We had a couple of Pushers with calf and knee injuries. Talk about "taking one for the team"!
Thanks to Thad for getting us involved, the pushers for their hard work, the girls (aka "speed Bumps") at the bottom of the hill, Randy's Mom & Barbara for the photos and video and everyone that came down to cheer us on. Also thanks to the companies in OKC who sponsored us.... Geo Testing and AAAA Wrecker.

OKC's News 9 story and photos here.

Photo Slideshow here.

Video...