Kids of all ages are invited to Carbon to take their favourite set of wheels and have them blaze down the track at break neck speeds.
The fact that the wheels are 1/64 scale is beside the point.
Brian McHugh of the Carbon Bottle Depot is a car nut, cars of all shapes and sizes, including diecast Hot Wheels cars. He is hoping there are more like minded gearheads chomping at the bit to come to Carbon’s first ever Hot Rims Tournament come April 11.
McHugh is planning this as a family day of fun. Car fans from 7 to 70 and beyond, are invited to track their car to see who is the fastest.
He was looking for an idea that would bring people to the community, would welcome families and be simple so people wouldn’t have to break the bank. He located a track last October and has been planning ever since.
“You don’t have to be Derek Jeter or Tom Brady, you just have to put your car down,” he said.
And for the fastest, he has a four-foot trophy and a $2,000 purse ready for the winner.
And fast is just what the races are. An eight foot track with electronic sensor is in place. McHugh says a fast race is typically only about a second long.
The rules are simple, the cars cannot be modified, altered or power assisted. Entry is $20. The cars will race in heats until a winner is determined. The full rules are available on the Hot Rims Tournament Facebook page.
What makes a car fast?
“The wheels, it is all about the wheels,” said McHugh.
He explains that over the years Hot Wheels have come out with a number of different wheels beyond the typical back hard plastic type most know.
“The official fastest wheel is called FTE (faster than ever) from Hot Wheels. They are nickel plated and brass, so there is less friction,’ he said.
Despite this, he says the track is only eight feet long, regular wheeled cars are competitive.
“Everyone has a shot at this, it is going to be a fast car and a little luck,” he laughs.
Entering is easy. Call the registration line 403-572-3074 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information contact the Carbon Bottle Depot at 403-572-3000 or check out their Facebook page.
