Down and Derby facts for kids

Down and Derby is a funny American movie from 2005. Outside of North America, it was called Racing Ace. The film was directed by Eric Hendershot. It stars actors like Greg Germann, Lauren Holly, Adam Hicks, and Pat Morita. The movie was filmed near St. George, Utah.

The film came out in movie theaters and on home video in 2005. Even though it didn't get great reviews or make a lot of money at first, it became popular later on home video. This gave it a small group of dedicated fans.

Movie Story: Pinewood Derby Fun

The movie is about a man named Phil Davis (Greg Germann). When he was a kid, Phil was the best at everything. But then, a boy named Ace Montana (Marc Raymond) moved to town. Ace became number one, and Phil was always number two. This rivalry continued even when they grew up. Their mailboxes were even numbered 1 and 2!

The Pinewood Derby Challenge

Phil's wife, Kim (Lauren Holly), is a Cub Scout den mother. She gives each Cub Scout a pinewood derby kit. These kits are for making small wooden race cars. The boys are supposed to build their own cars with some help from adults.

However, the four dads, including Phil and Ace, get really into the project. They become obsessed with building the fastest car. They completely take over the project, leaving their sons out.

Dads Get Competitive

As each dad tries to build the best car, they become more and more competitive. Their wives get very annoyed by this. Eventually, the wives leave the houses, taking their sons with them.

Soon, Phil's friends, "Big Jimmy" (Perry Anzilotti) and Blaine Moosman (Ross Brockley), discover something important. They find out that Ace Montana wrote the "Pinewood Derby Bible." This is a book about how to build fast derby cars. They also learn that Ace's car from when he was eight years old still holds the record for the fastest car ever.

Working Together to Win

The three men – Phil, Big Jimmy, and Blaine – decide to team up. They want to build one super-fast car to beat Ace Montana. To do this, they secretly take Ace's record-holding car. They want to study it and learn its secrets. They find out Ace's real first name is Stacy Lynn! They almost get caught when they try to return the car.

The three friends succeed in building a very fast car. It looks like it will break the record. Blaine and Jimmy decide that Phil's son should enter this amazing car in the competition.

The Big Race Day

On the day of the Derby, the men and their wives reunite. Kim tells Phil that their son, Brady (Adam Hicks), built his own car. He made it while staying with his grandfather, with some advice from a neighbor. Kim challenges Phil to "do the right thing."

After thinking it over, Phil decides not to use the car the three men built. He lets Brady enter his own handmade car in the race. But "Big Jimmy" still really wants to beat Ace. So, he takes the super-fast car for his own son to enter.

The Final Showdown

After many races, five cars make it to the finals. These include Ace's car, Brady's car, and the car the three men built. In the final race, the car the three men built takes the lead. But then, it loses a wheel!

Ace's car then moves into the lead. But on the flat part of the track, Brady's car suddenly speeds up. It takes the lead and crosses the finish line first! Brady's car sets a new pinewood derby record. Ace is shocked but congratulates the Davises. However, as soon as he leaves the room, he throws a big tantrum.

Phil asks Brady who his grandpa's neighbor was that gave him advice. Brady points to a man in the audience. It turns out to be the same man from the instructional videos Phil had been watching to help design his car!

Meet the Cast

• Greg Germann plays Phil Davis. He used to be the best at everything until Ace Montana came along.
• Lauren Holly plays Kim Davis. She is Phil's wife and gets tired of his pinewood derby obsession.
• Pat Morita plays Uno Yakimoto. He owns a company, and Phil is supposed to be working on an ad campaign for him.
• Adam Hicks plays Brady Davis. He is Phil and Kim's son. He wants to help with the car but isn't allowed to at first.
• Marc Raymond plays Ace Montana. He is Phil's rival and seems to be better than Phil at everything.
• Hunter Tylo plays Teri Montana. She is Ace Montana's wife.
• Perry Anzilotti plays Big Jimmy. He is a short but tough friend and rival of Phil's.
• Robert Costanzo plays Claude. He is another friend of Phil's who is also very serious about the derby.
• Sandy Hackett plays Larry Savage. He is Phil's boss and threatens to fire Phil if he doesn't focus on work.

Fun Facts About the Movie

• The person who created the real pinewood derby, Don Murphy, has a small role in the film.
• Even though the license plates in the movie suggest it's set in Arizona, the filming actually happened in St. George and Santa Clara, Utah.
• In the beginning of the movie, it's mentioned that "Big Jimmy" hasn't grown taller since fifth grade. To make up for this, he has the biggest mailbox, lawnmower, wife, dog, and truck!