Folsom Handcar Derby

Folsom Handcar Derby The annual Handcar Derby was normally held in May. The event used a custom built racing railroad handcar to race for the fastest time on track.

After 30+ years, the Derby has called it an "End of an Era" after our 2025 event. Handcar racing is a sport that has been around since the late 1970's. Teams consist of 5 people, 4 pumpers on the car and a pusher, whose sole purpose is to shove the car off from the starting line. The Push Starter places his or her feet against a starting block and at a starting command, gives one mighty push. The

Push starter releases the handcar and falls on a well-padded mat. With the momentum from the push start, the Pumpers go to work pushing down and pulling up the lever arm in unison. While size and strength are important, teamwork and rhythm are equally critical. Specially-built railroad handcars are used. Contests are always timed, either using photoelectric devices or magnetic sensors adjacent to the beginning and end of the track. Accurate timing is crucial as races are often decided by 0.01 seconds. Contests are usually held as time trials or side-by-side racing. Time trials are held when only one car or track is available, and the team with the fastest time is the team that wins. Side-by-side racing (infinitely more exciting) is held when parallel tracks are available. Like time trials, these events are timed, and the team with the fastest time wins; however, when racing side-by-side against another team, there is additional motivation to go faster. Races are held on weekends, either one or two days depending on the amount of teams participating. The Folsom's current course is approximately 700-800 feet long and is a single track timed course.

Welcome all.The Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Historical Railroad Assoc. was very proud to bring our handcars and Handc...
05/01/2026

Welcome all.
The Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Historical Railroad Assoc. was very proud to bring our handcars and Handcar Racing's handcars to meet the Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy in Roseville.
The Folsom Handcar Derby ended it's over 30 year run last year. It was a major fund raiser for the FEDSHRA. Please think of our organization when deciding which local non-profit organizations you would like to donate to this year.
https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/FOLSOM_RAILROAD_MUSEUM
Availability to donate for the Big Day of Giving has started. May 7th, is the final day for giving through Big Day of Giving. The above link will take you to the donation site.
Our goal is a big one this year, we are working with Folsom City officials in the restoration/maintenance of the Southern Pacific Railroad Section Superintendent House located inside the Folsom railroad WYE. The home is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The first phase is upgrading the buildings foundation and will require an additional $36K to complete. Any donation will help, the bigger the better 😏.
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03/04/2026

City marks Sacramento Valley Railroad milestone and Theodore Judah bicentennial with ceremonial ride and Historic District celebration

02/26/2026
02/12/2026

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09/20/2025

Scenic train rides between Folsom and Latrobe on Southern Pacific Railroad’s historic Placerville Branch.

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East Bidwell And Broadstone/On The Tracks/
Folsom, CA
95630

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