Last year’s AMUGderby was an overwhelming success, so we brought it back for AMUG 2025. Racers unleashed their creativity and “started their engines” (figuratively) by letting gravity do its thing in the AMUGderby.
Get ready for another exciting AMUGderby! Building on the overwhelming success from our last two years of racing, AMUGderby 2026 is set to take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This year, racers will once again unleash their creativity by designing and 3D printing gravity-powered racecars.
Participants will harness advanced AM technologies and materials to craft cars that not only challenge gravity but also showcase innovative design and engineering skills. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a newcomer eager to test your skills, AMUGderby 2026 promises a thrilling display of creativity and speed.
Join us on March 18 and be part of the innovation, competition, and excitement that only AMUGderby can deliver!
AMUG 2026: 2 race classes
The 2 race classes for the 2026 AMUGderby are Standard and Open.
The Standard Class pairs official BSA® axles & wheels with 3D-printed bodies weighing less than 6 ounces.
The Open Class allows for heavier cars (10 ounces), mechanical propulsion and custom wheel & axle configurations.
Two ways to win
The cars compete head-to-head, and the fastest car in each class will be named a “champion” of the 2026 AMUGderby.
AMUG will also award a ‘Best Design’ prize. While iterating designs for raw speed, AMUG members let their creativity run wild.
Guidelines
The derby isn’t a free-for-all in terms of vehicle specifications. There are limits to size, weight, and configurations that are confirmed during pre-race inspection.
For AMUGderby rules, design specs, and a link to purchase wheels/axles, download 2026 Rules and Race Procedures.
Registration
Racer’s registration is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged.
2025 AMUGderby Winners
Wow, the 2025 AMUGderby was a spectacular success! We had 52 competitors and hundreds of race fans cheering them on.
Race Results
Speed Champion – Standard Class
Brent Griffith (Labconco)
Brent’s “Black Mamba” had an average time of 3.128 seconds.
Speed Champion – Open Class
Robbie Highet (Mayo Clinic)
Robbie’s “Out of Time” had an average time of 3.110 seconds.
Best Design
Luke Hileman (Ricoh 3D for Healthcare)
“Mini Me” had a creative mix of a crouching, cartoonish body with a 3D-scan-derived likeness of Luke’s head.
AMUGderby winners (from top): Luke Hileman, Brent Griffith, and Robbie Highet.
