Coasting To The Top: UNB 45th Coaster Derby

     The University of New Brunswick holds an annual coaster derby race. This was no different this year when they put off their forty-fifth. The Students’ society of mechanical engineers is the main organizer of the event. This year the derby was host to seven teams of engineering students, with one group coming from Maine.

David Nelson was the head student organizer this year. “[Teams] come out with home-built coaster carts that have breaking systems but no engines, and they race down the track we built on McKay drive” Nelson said. The carts race for the fastest times so they can claim prizes that include money and plaques. 

Although the temperature was low the adrenalin was high. As well as high speeds that some spectators say reached up to 75 kilometers an hour. The organizers had to make sure with handmade breaking systems and speeds so high that safety was at the front of everyone’s mind. Due to two cars being on the track and derby organizers not being able to move them they continued to renovate the track multiple times throughout the day.
“Safety rules definitely have changed in terms of needing higher safety regulations and barricades in specific spots” said Nelson referring to the rules of previous races.
Safety talks were organized before the racers took off after lunch. This was to remind them of the rules and notify them of the new changes to the track. 

The tire barricades are for the racers safety however if they happen to take a hit on one, they can damage their car. “When I went down the hill a few minutes later I went into a corner and there was a tire in my way that I didn’t think would be there” said Nicolas Weiland. Weiland’s  Red Rover derby car was evidence of the damage the barricades can do. The coaster was missing a wheel and during  the lunch break Weiland had to go repair it.
However, his quick thinking at lunch to go to a local bike tire repair shop helped him to be able to compete in the afternoon races. With great race times in the morning and the afternoon Weiland’s car had taken first place. The event however didn’t run until its normal ending time which was 4 p.m. It stopped at 2 p.m due to an incoming storm. The reason again was safety for the team driving back to Maine. 

Talk for plans of next year’s race were floating through the air. So, its safe to say the derby will probably see a 46th year.