The Ohio Power Tool Racing Championships started back in 2010 as a hole-in-the-wall event. Each year, it drew meager crowds. Eventually, the event grew to span three major cities across the country with sponsors like Bosch Power Tools. This event provided fun and exciting events that pitted the ingenuity and skill of makers against each other in various classes of power tools.
As the event took off and grew, it saddened us when it ceased around 2015. After all, in all their years of operation, we weren’t aware of any major injuries. We have to file that one under “God must like power tools” because that’s unbelievable given some of the entries (and wrecks) we saw.
What are the Ohio Power Tool Racing Championships?
If you haven’t yet heard of the Ohio Power Tool Racing Championship, then you’re in for a treat. Basically, you take a bunch of crazy people… wait, scratch that. You take a bunch of really cool demon-possessed vehicles powered by single-engine power tools and which run on 120V power and you pit them against each other on a 75-foot-long track made of “reasonably flat” plywood.
In the end, you get a generous 20 feet to allow you to slow down followed by a bunch of hay bales to further prevent any truly ambitious tools from breaking free and starting their own infirmary.
The tool racers (that’s what they called themselves) run their Frankenstein-inspired creations on parallel 12-inch-wide wood tracks. These feature 2×4 rails on each side to contain the power tools. This also gives your racing power tool some stability through the use of inline skate wheels as side bumpers.
The tool racing vehicles typically integrate belt sanders, angle grinders, and/or some of the best circular saws, drills, chainsaws, weed eaters, etc. If it’s not bolted down or doesn’t take more than one operator, it’s pretty much fair game.
Why Did People Want to Race Their Power Tools?
Tools, man, tools! In the end, both Bosch Tools & Ohio Power Tool sponsored the tool races. The prizes included literally thousands of dollars worth of the best power tools and accessories. Each of the three races will be awarded Bosch Tool prize packages for 1st and 2nd place as well as the crowd favorite.
There were even some custom-built trophies and random prizes for other categories. Look to the site to see more of those types of details.
“We get some pretty crazy designs. Last year, a maker turned a circular saw into a huge scorpion-like racer. Another was powered by a leaf blower. I’m really excited to see what our makers come up with this year.”
Jay Amstutz, OTRC spokesman
What Are the Ohio Power Tool Racing Championships Rules?
The rules of the 3rd Annual Ohio Tool Racing Championships are actually quite simple, but here is a smattering of key points:
- Machines are to be based on 15A, 120 AC handheld power tools
- No vehicles built from RC cars allowed, cause they are boring
- AC electrical cords will be 100′ long per lane, originating at the starting line
- No spools or cord guides allowed, but duct tape will be provided
- Eligible machines are single engine power tools with limited motor modifications and standard power sources
- ALL entries are subject to inspection prior to racing to make sure they will stay on the track and out of the audience
Where, When, How Much?
The Ohio Power Tool Racing Championships were traditionally open for free to anyone wanting to come and watch. If you wanted to race, an entry fee applied. The Ohio Power Tool Racing Championships had three main events in several locations:
- Louisville Mini Maker Faire
- Columbus Mini Maker Faire
- Cincinnati Mini Maker Faire
Previously, it had only been held anywhere other than as part of the Columbus, Ohio Mini Maker Faire.
If you were anywhere near these locations showing up resulted in lots of fun. For some, it even warranted getting a plane ticket!
