Drift Track Guard Rail used at Key City Drift

The guard rail used at Key City Drift is made from 3D-printed parts and PVC trim (found at big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot). The track rail can be either single-sided or double-sided, and it is raised off the track so the cars are visible underneath. Since the guard rail is off the track surface, it integrates nicely with the Ultrasonic Clip Zone Sensors. 3D-printed end caps are also available, which protect cars from hard collisions with the endpoints of the guard rail.

The rail stanchions are made from 3D-printed parts and short 2" tubes cut from a longer PEX tube. They are attached to the PVC rail every 12" using #6-1/2" wood screws. The stanchion bases are attached to the track floor using high strength double-sided tape.

Attach the supports to the rail every 12". Have the supports fully assembled with the support, PEX tube, and base, with double-sided tape attached to the base (backing still in place), then attach the support to the rail. Place the rail on the track and adhere each base to the floor, one-by-one, working from one end of the rail to the other. When connecting two V rail sections, use the "wide" supports. If building double-sided rails, attach the supports to one rail first, every 12", then attach that rail to the track, then attach the backside V rail, since spacing will be different when going around curves.

Parts list:

1. 3D printed rail parts (supports, base, end caps). Print as many as needed. Typically printed in ABS to be less brittle, but just about any type of plastic will work (PLA, PETG, etc). Models are in the .zip file available below.
2. PVC "V" Trim 11/16" x 11/16" x 8' (Home Depot link)
3. PEX Pipe , 1/4" x 5' (Home Depot link) Cut into 2" sections.
4. #6-1/2" Flathead wood screws (Home Depot link)
5. Double-sided tape (Home Depot link)