OXFORD — Racers at Saturday afternoon’s Pinewood Derby at Oxford Hills Middle School gym in Paris will have a new $3,000 track to test their wooden cars.

The six-lane track, which has electronic timing to record finishes, was purchased with donations from the Oxford Hills region, according to Rebekah Arntsen, daughter of race organizer Wayne Hatch, both of Oxford.

The derby is open to those from first grade to senior citizens free of charge and who have a car that weighs less than 5 ounces. There are a few extra cars available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The public is invited to watch the races and enjoy free refreshments, Arntsen said.

Registration begins at 1 p.m. and racing starts at 2 with Jerry Major of Norway as announcer. The school is at 100 Pine St. and signs will be posted for the gym entrance.

There will be 4 divisions: First-graders to age 7; ages 8 to 13; ages 14 and older; and unlimited, which is for cars with no weight or other restrictions. The top three winners in each division will receive a trophy.

There will also be trophies for grand champion, best in show and most creative.

Organizers of the Pinewood Derby being held Saturday at Oxford Hills Middle School in Paris set up the new $3,000 racetrack in the basement of Oxford Advent Christian Church for a trial run. From left are helper Eric Arnsten, derby director Wayne Hatch, Arnsten’s wife, Rebekah, and helper Warren Frechette. (Submitted photo)

Wayne Hatch of Oxford, director of the Pinewood Derby being held Saturday at Oxford Hills Middle School in Paris, sets up the new $3,000 racetrack in the basement of Oxford Advent Christian Church for a trial run. Andrew Arntsen, 3, watches his grandfather. (Submitted photo)