Nevada Underground Downhill Racing Syndicate
NUDRS, Nevada Underground Downhill Racing Syndicate, is a club based in southern Nevada dedicated to gravity powered competition. Sometimes refered to as "illegal soapbox cars", our gravity carts are custom built for the purpose of riding down roads without the benifit of of engine, motor or propulsion of any kind. NUDRS seeks to offer any and all the unique experience of belonging to a friendly organization of non-motorized cart enthusiasts gathering together for comradery and harmless competition as they run thier gravity carts down hill at speed.
Gravity racing is simply going the fastest you can while using nothing other than gravity itself as a fuel source. A gravity cart and a go-cart share many compnents. Because of this, your kid's old go cart can be converted to gravity simply by removing the engine and installing the proper brakes. Many have found this a fast and easy method of jumping into the action with little effort of thier own.
Our carts run on average speeds in the 30s and 40s with highs regularly reaching the 50s and even the 60s. Some hills have been capable of sending carts faster still into the 70s. Brakes become very important in your moment of need. Which is why NUDRS requires everyone to equip thier machine with proper gear that has been proven to allow safe control while braking. A proper steering mechanism will keep you pointed in a straight line and confident in the corners. All machines need to be well built and engineered with skill.
There are no proper closed road courses for NUDRS to speed down without risk of 3rd party contact. And as such we must share the public roads just as bicyclists do. We maintain our lane, avoid contact when able, and give the right of way to pedestrians and motor vehicles. We avoid roads with all but the lightest of traffic. We plan our activities with safety and common sense in mind. We utilize support personel to be our eyes at the top and bottom of the hill, as well as at any risk involving corner or intersection.
It's all about the fun, not the racing. At the end of the day everybody goes home safe and happy.
Gravity racing is simply going the fastest you can while using nothing other than gravity itself as a fuel source. A gravity cart and a go-cart share many compnents. Because of this, your kid's old go cart can be converted to gravity simply by removing the engine and installing the proper brakes. Many have found this a fast and easy method of jumping into the action with little effort of thier own.
Our carts run on average speeds in the 30s and 40s with highs regularly reaching the 50s and even the 60s. Some hills have been capable of sending carts faster still into the 70s. Brakes become very important in your moment of need. Which is why NUDRS requires everyone to equip thier machine with proper gear that has been proven to allow safe control while braking. A proper steering mechanism will keep you pointed in a straight line and confident in the corners. All machines need to be well built and engineered with skill.
There are no proper closed road courses for NUDRS to speed down without risk of 3rd party contact. And as such we must share the public roads just as bicyclists do. We maintain our lane, avoid contact when able, and give the right of way to pedestrians and motor vehicles. We avoid roads with all but the lightest of traffic. We plan our activities with safety and common sense in mind. We utilize support personel to be our eyes at the top and bottom of the hill, as well as at any risk involving corner or intersection.
It's all about the fun, not the racing. At the end of the day everybody goes home safe and happy.
Note: Although the sport is often refered to as illegal soapbox, this is actualy a legal hobby. The term "illegal" was coined to seperate this from the standard soapbox cars of the All-American Soap Box Derby (AASBD), as these do not follow any of the standard rules and regulations set forth, thus making them "illegal" in the sight of the Derby. I have been assured by local law entities that gravity carts have every right to share the road as any cyclist does. However, we will comply with any wish or order an officer may have for us to leave the area or modify our activities.