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Pinewood Derby
How it Works Races
will be held at the den level. Tigers
will race Tigers, Wolves will race Wolves, Bears will race Bears, and Webelos
will race Webelos. This will
eliminate unfair competition between the different age levels. Recognition will be given to every Scout that participates.
There will be special recognition for the three fastest cars in each den
level and there will be several design awards in each den level, but this is not
the main focus of the event. FUN
is the main focus. We plan to run a
timed race this year. Each Scout
will have the opportunity to race their car an equal number of times (once on
each lane). Times from each heat
will be recorded and averaged to determine which cars are fastest (lowest
average time). Design awards will
be based upon originality, craftsmanship, humor, and clear evidence that the
scout participated in the creation of the car.
Families are encouraged to assist their scout(s) in building cars, but
the boys should be able to do most of the work with a little guidance. Race Rules 1>
Participants must use BSA car kits.
One kit is provided for each registered Scout. 2>
Width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches. 3>
Length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. 4>
Weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces. 5>
Axles, wheels, and body wood shall be as provided in the kit 6>
Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. 7>
The car shall not ride on any type of springs. 8>
Any details added must be within the length, width, and weight limits. 9>
The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices. 10>
Dry graphite is the only lubrication permitted. 11>
No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car. 12>
The car must have 3/8 inches of ground clearance or it will not coast
freely on the track. 13>
The car must have 1 3/4 inches inside wheel to wheel to fit on the track.
(The original block in the kit provides this dimension.
If the wheels are too close together, they will rub on the track.) 14>
The wheels provided in the kit must be used.
The shape of the wheels may not be changed. 15>
The car
must be made during the current year. 16>
Cars may
not be modified after they have been accepted for racing on race day.
Repairs will be permitted only if there is damage that prevents racing. 17>
Failure to meet requirements can result in disqualification.
Race-committee decisions are final. Hints, Tips, and Two Special Requests >
Curve the bottom front and back of the body of the car so it won’t drag
on the track. (Nothing’s worse
than a car that only gets halfway down!) >
Make sure the wheels spin freely! Don’t
get the nails in too tight or get glue on the wheel. >
Glue the nails in so you don’t lose a wheel during the race.
A little dab near the middle of the car will hold the nail in place
without interfering with the wheel’s ability to spin. >
Try to make sure the car rolls straight.
Be careful with the nails! Be
sure they are straight. This will
help it roll smoothly down the track. >
Use lots of dry graphite. Friction
is your worst enemy. >
Don’t play with the car too much before the races.
Pinewood cars tend to get slower and slower the more they are used. >
Special weights are available at Hobbyland and at the Scout Shop.
You can use most anything for weight, just make sure that it is securely
fastened (screwed, nailed, or glued) to the car and that it does not exceed the
required dimensions. Get as close
to five ounces as you can without going over.
Heavier cars go faster! >
If you don’t have a scale, use the scale at the Post Office to weigh
your car. >
Come to the pre-race weigh-in and inspection to see if your car meets the
requirements. This gives you time
to make any needed changes. Cars
that do not meet requirements by race time (1:00 p.m.) on race day will be
disqualified. >
Please remember we’re doing this to have FUN!!!
The boys should be involved in building, painting, and decorating their
cars. This is a great chance to do
something together with your son! >
Scouts will be expected to exhibit sportsman-like conduct.
Parents and leaders should set a good example. Extra Fun!! >
A second track will be available on race day.
After each den-level-group races, scouts will be able to run their cars
on the second track to their hearts’ content.
Once all the racing is complete, the main track will also be opened for
free racing. This way, anyone who
wants to compete with each other in different den levels or in same den levels
gets the opportunity. Free racing
will not be available prior to races so we don’t wind up with damaged cars and
sad faces before the timed races. >
Food will be available on race day for a minimal cost.
We'll have hotdogs, pop, etc. available starting at about 11:30 a.m.
Come have lunch before the races, or take a break from the fun and have a
snack! >
We will hold a "Car Cutout Day" on Saturday, February 26 from
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. There will be four or five saws with skilled operators to cut
out cars for anyone. This event is
intended mostly for boys who might not have access to a scroll saw or band saw
to cut out their car, but anyone is welcome.
We'll have some sample plans and plenty of advice as far as what works
and what doesn't. Remember, the
boys need to be doing as much of the work as possible on their cars!
We will only cut the block of wood.
Sanding, assembly, weights and painting are left to the skill and
creativity of the boys and families! Open
Class Race Rules and Guidelines For fun, and for fun, and for fun, and because it was
fun last year, we have decided to hold another adult race this year.
We found out that there are a few kids (mostly brothers and sisters) who
are not scouts but who want to race. So,
we are holding an "Open Class" race.
The rules for the Open Class will be slightly modified from the scouts
rules. Anyone, other than the
scouts, may participate in the Open Class.
This is an effort to get the whole family involved, so build your own car
and come on out!!! Open Class Race Rules 1>
Participants must use BSA car kits, available at the Scout Shop. 2>
Width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches. 3>
Length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. 4>
Weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces. 5>
Axles,
wheels, and body wood shall be as provided in the kit 5a>
Wheels and axles may be modified, so long as they conform to length and width
requirements and do not interfere with the operation of other cars. 6>
Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. 7>
The car shall not ride on any type of springs. 8>
Any details added must be within the length, width, and weight limits. 9>
The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices. 10>
Dry graphite is the only lubrication permitted. 11>
No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car. 12>
The car must have 3/8 inches of ground clearance or it will not coast
freely on the track. 13>
The car must have 1 3/4 inches inside wheel to wheel to fit on the track.
(The original block in the kit provides this dimension.
If the wheels are too close together, they will rub on the track.) 14>
The
wheels provided in the kit must be used. 15>
The car
must be made during the current year. 16>
Cars may
not be modified after they have been accepted for racing on race day.
Repairs will be permitted only if there is damage that prevents racing. 17>
Failure to meet requirements can result in disqualification.
Race-committee decisions are final. Adult heats will be held immediately after the boys
have completed their races and will help to fill the time while judges make
final decisions regarding design awards, etc. Participants are expected to show the boys a good example of
competition and sportsmanship. We're doing this for FUN!!!
Speed will not be the only characteristic that is judged, so have fun
with your designs too!! |