Pinewood Derby
Race Date: January 24 2010, Bridge Point Cafetorium, 3-6pm
Practice Date: January 23 2010, Bridge Point Cafetorium, 12-3pm
Organizer: Scott Boyd, 970-3745, sfmclboyd@sbcglobal.net
Set-Up/Clean-Up: Den ? Flag Ceremony: Den ? Skit/Game: NONE
Event: The pinewood derby is a family activity for Pack 39. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that boys make with help from their families and then race in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a regulation track. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.
Rules: These are the rules Pack39 Pinewood Derby race.
1.
The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale
shall be considered final.
2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
3. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
4. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
5. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.
6. The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped
any way that is desired.
7. The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. The wheels may not be
cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the
wheels.
8. The axles supplied with the kit must be used. They may be polished or
lubricated.
9. Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
10. The car must not ride on any type of springs.
11. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
12. No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used.
Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete. The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications. ALL CARS MUST PASS INSPECTION TO QUALIFY FOR THE RACE,
Design and Construction: There are a number of resources on the web for coming up with creative ideas for the car. Check out the following interactive design sites:
- http://www.abc-pinewood-derby.com/
- http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Youth/PineDesign.aspx
Competition: The track has multiple lanes and slopes down to the ground, since the cars are powered by gravity. The race is run in heats, giving every car the chance to run on each lane. The racers are grouped with others from the same rank (Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, etc.), or can compete against the pack as a whole.
The first, second, and third place winners usually receive ribbons, medals and trophies. Awards are also given on the basis of car design. The first place race winners get to advance to the district level, then each of the district-wide race winners get to race each other from across the entire council.
We are looking forward to a great event this year and hope everyone can make it!
Scott Boyd – Pinewood Coordinator