Drag Racing Software
The Derby Magic Race Manager software is the easiest software to use. From the automated installation to the Software Wizard guiding you through every step, this is the most advanced pinewood derby race manager you can buy. The DMRM runs on MS Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and Windows 10.
The setup screen allows you to select the format for your race and what it’s called.
When you select the COM port that your timer is connected to, the program communicates with the timer and confirms the connection.
Racers can be entered manually in a spreadsheet like format, or you can import them from a file. The file can easily be made from your existing data.
The Derby Magic Race Manager uses the ‘Lane Rotation’ method to generate the race schedule. If you prefer a different scheduling method, you can enter the schedules manually or import them from a file.
During the setup for your race you will be able to choose different fault options and penalties. Depending on the age group of your different races, you may want to adjust these setting as they can sway the outcome of any car that may cause a fault.
For an example- for the younger children you may want no penalty or minimum because they might not quite understand it and you still want the experience to be enjoyable.
For the older children applying penalty multipliers or disqualifying the car makes it more crucial to be paying attention, having good reaction time, and crafting a fast car.
The “Reaction” time, Penalty Multiplier, and the Minimum Penalty all play a roll in the total run time of a car in each heat. A number that is red is a negative reaction time, meaning that the racer has pressed their button before the green light. With the setting’s made for the example to the left, the penalty multiplier is 1.5 and the minimum penalty is 0.100.
0.010 x 1.5 = 0.015 This is less that 0.100 so the 0.100 was added to car number 1’s run time. 1.565 + 0.100 = 1.665 for their total run time
.753 x 1.5 = 1.1295 This is greater than the 0.100 penalty so this penalty will just be added to car number 3’s run time. 0.891 + 1.1295 = 2.0205 for their total run time.
The Results screen also automatically resizes to fill the screen. From this screen, you can print out all of the individual race results or export them to your favorite spreadsheet program.
This is a sample printout of the race results.
The complete description of the program is available here.