Special Event – 1st Annual

The Zucchini 500 Car Race at the Peachland Fall Fair is a celebration of creativity, friendly competition, and community spirit. This event invites participants of all ages to design and race their own zucchini cars down our specially constructed track.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetable engineer or a first time racer, this guide outlines everything you need to know to enter, build, and compete in the first annual Peachland Fall Fair Zucchini 500 Car Race.

Race Day & Time: Sunday, September 7th , 2025 at 2:00 pm
Location: Grass pad at Peachland Community Centre

Eligibility and Registration

• Open to All: We have categories for participants of all ages!
• Registration Process: Register in advance online through the Peachland Fall Fair website by August 31 st , 2025 Early registration is recommended to secure your place.
• Entry Fee: $2 Registration Fee provides you with a set of wheels that you could use or you can make your own provided you do not exceed the Racer dimensions.
• After you register, come down and get your wheels at the Community Center on Tuesday, September 2nd , 2025 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.
• Registration Deadline: Online registration closes at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, September 2nd.
• By registering, you understand that your entry may become damaged or destroyed during the course of the races. Take a picture before the races begin!

Building Your Zucchini Car:  Regulations

• • Limit of one zucchini racing car per person No drivers licence required!
  • The main body of your car must be ONE whole, fresh zucchini.
  • Size Restrictions: Zucchini cars may not exceed 30 cm (12 inches) in length, and must not be more than 16 cm ( 6 inches) wide. (Track size is 20 cm (8 inches wide).
  • Wheels: Cars must have at least 4 wheels. Wheels must be attached to axles that pass through or are affixed to the zucchini body. Wheels can be constructed from any material (plastic, wood, CDs, etc.) as long as they are safe and do not damage the track)
    Maximum 3 inch (7.5 cm) diameter. Use the wheels provided or make your own.
  • Axles: Axles may be made from metal, wood, plastic, or bamboo. The axles may be inserted through the zucchini or attached externally but cannot be attached to a wheeled platform (like a toy car, skateboard or roller skate).
  • Decorations: Feel free to decorate your zucchini car! Use paints, stickers, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, or any creative elements you like. All decorations must be securely attached and youth/family friendly.
  • Decorations cannot exceed 2.5 cm (1 inch) past the front of the zucchini.
  • Give your racer a FUN or SILLY name! Officials have discretion to announce or not announce name.
  • Gravity power only: No motors , propellants, springs, explosives, or any form of propulsion other than gravity may be used.
  • Safety: All cars will be inspected for safety. Any sharp or protruding elements that could cause injury will need to be removed or adjusted before the race.
  • Keeping your zucchini racer in the fridge until race day should keep it race worthy.
  • Racers may be damaged or destroyed during the course of races.

Race Day Procedures

• Check In: All participants must check in at the Zucchini Car Race booth at least 30 minutes before the scheduled race time. All entries will be displayed on tables before the races begin.
• Inspection: Cars will be inspected for compliance with the rules regarding size, weight, wheels, and safety. Non compliant cars may be disqualified or required to be modified prior to racing. Officials reserve the right to refuse your racing car that does not meet
  regulations.
• Race Order: Race order will be determined randomly and announced prior to the start.
• Track Description: The official race track is a sloped ramp approximately 7 meters long (24 feet). The surface will be smooth and free of obstacles with 3 lanes.
• Launching: Race officials will release cars simultaneously from the starting line using the official gate and a stand still position at the top of the track. Up to three racers from each category will compete in each heat.
• Heats and Finals: The race will be run in heats if there are many entries, with winners advancing to the final round.
• Fastest cars from each heat will race off to decide the overall winner
• Finish Line: The car whose nose cross es the finish line first is the winner of the heat. In the event of a tie, a re-run will be held.
• Retrieval: Officials are responsible for retrieving cars at the end of each heat.

Competition Categories and Awards

Every racing car will be assessed by officials and assigned one of the following age categories:

• • Sprouts  Under 8 years
  • Seedlings 8 to 14 years of age
  • Buds 15 to 20 years
  • Blossoms 21 to 49 years
  • Slowly Wilting 50 + years

Awards for Fastest and Best in Show will be judged in each age category

• • Fastest: The first to cross the finish line on the final race for each category
  • Best in Show: Judges will award a prize for the most creative and well decorated zucchini race car.

Other Awards to be decided by Sponsor and Fair Officials on event day

Code of Conduct and Fair Play

• • Sportsmanship: All participants are expected to conduct themselves with respect, kindness, and encouragement toward other racers and event staff.
  • Assistance: Younger participants (under 8 years) may receive help from an adult in constructing their car, but creativity and effort from the child are encouraged.
  • No Sabotage: Tampering with another participants car or interfering with another racers run will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Disputes: Any disputes or concerns should be addressed to the race official. All decisions by event staff and judges are final.
  • The car whose nose is the first to cross the line or that makes it furthest down the track (if none cross the finish line), is the winner.

Tips for Success

• • Wheel Alignment: Ensure your wheels are straight and secure to prevent veering off course.
  • Weight Distribution: Distribute the weight of your car evenly for better momentum and stability on the ramp.
  • Test Runs: Practice at home with a similar ramp to fine tune your design before race day.
  • Creative Decor: Stand out in the “Best in Show ” category with bright colours, themes, or imaginative features.
  • Have Fun: Remember that the goal is to have fun, be creative, and celebrate our community spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

A:  No, only zucchinis may be used as the main body of the car to ensure fairness for all participants.

Q: Can I enter more than one car?

A: Each individual may enter only one car per race.

Q: Can adults help children with their racing cars?

A: Assistance is allowed for young children, but the design should primarily reflect the child

We look forward to seeing your unique and speedy zucchini creations at the race!  Join us for an event full of laughter, learning, and community connection. May the best zucchini 500 car 500 car win!