[PxTx]

To aid in stability, are you gonna run a long wheel base Marlin? Your rules didn't say anything against it, or even promoting the use of the factory slots. I think it would only help. Just make sure there is just a bit of the body beyond where you place the wheels.

Jake is right. The kids in similar rank/den usually start off running each other first. Not sure how many kids get to go on to the district, but that may dictate how far the brackets go.

There was just a foam block and the raised center rail in the video. The Batman car was dropped by my kid earlier and I had to glue some wood back on. Despite flying off the track, the car was still fast on other runs. There is plenty of luck in the PWD. I would make sure you bring basic tools, spare parts and superglue!