PINEWOOD DERBY:

 

Derby Workshops:
TBD
TBD, Friday:  Track set-up and parent test-race, 6:00
TBD, Saturday:   RACE DAY

Judged Competition:
 - Best in Show: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
 - Funniest
 - Best Looking
 - Best Paint Job
 - Most Realistic
 - Most Creative
 - Wildest
 - Spirit of BSA

Speed Competition:
 - Fastest Overall: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
 - Fastest by Rank: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
      - Tiger: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
      - Wolf: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
      - Bear: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
      - Webelo 1: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
      - Webelo 2: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Rules

1. Lengths, Width and Clearance
a. Maximum overall width (including wheels and axles) should not exceed 2 3/4". 
b. Minimum width between wheels shall be 1 3/4" so car will clear the center guide strip. 
c. Minimum clearance between bottom of car and track shall be 3/8", so car will clear the center guide strip. 
d. Maximum length shall not exceed 7".
e. The wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) may not be changed from the official kit’s wheelbase.  

2. Weight and Appearance
a. Weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The readings of the Official Race Scale will be considered final. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by addition of wood or metal only, provided it is securely built into the body or firmly affixed to it. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car. 
b. Mercury shall not be used for adding weight. It is a potential health
hazard. 
c. Details such as steering wheel, driver, decals, spoilers, painting and interior details are permitted as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications. 
d. Cars with wet paint or wet glue/adhesives will not be accepted.

3. Wheels and Axles
a. Only the official Scout Grand Prix wheels and axles can be used.
b. Wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are prohibited. 
c. The car shall not ride on any type of springs. 
d. The car must be freewheeling with no starting device or propulsion.
e. Wheels may be polished or filed around the outer surface, but the original general diameter shall be maintained, and the sidewall lettering (including inside letter) and spoke detail  shall be maintained and readable.  Reduction of material inside of the sidewall lettering is not allowed (e.g., no drill holes through spokes).

4. Lubrication
a. Car wheels/axles may be lubricated before inspection. No further lubrication will be permitted after that. To reiterate: no lubrication is allowed during the race!
b. ONLY dry powdered lubricants, such as graphite may be used. Regular oils, WD-40 and silicone sprays can soften plastic wheels and damage/inhibit performance of the track.

5. Ground Rules
a. The race is open to all Cub Scouts in Pack 55 as well as siblings.
b. Cars must have been made for this race. 
c. If a car jumps off the track, the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, it will automatically lose the heat. 
d. If a car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, the heat will be run again. If the same car leaves its lane a second time and interferes with another car, the heat will be run again without the interfering car. The interfering car will automatically lose the heat. 
e. If a car suffers mechanical problem (e.g., loses an axle, break a wheel, etc.) it will automatically lose the heat.
f. Only one car per scout/family-member/sibling/other.
g. Cars must be made using standard pinewood derby kits. Cars made from any special optimized kits featuring pre-shaped blocks, precision drilled axle or weigh holes, custom axle or wheels will be disqualified.

6. Inspection, Disputes, Exceptional Situations
a. Each car must pass inspection by the Official Inspection Team before it may compete. The Inspection Team has the right to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules. Car owners will be informed of the violations and given an opportunity to modify the car to meet these rules. 
b. Any participant (including the parent of the participant) has the right to appeal to the Race Committee for an interpretation of these rules. The Race Committee, by majority vote, will make a final determination and the decision of the Race Committee will be final.
c. Ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct by any participant will be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area.
d. The Race Committee, by majority vote, may remedy unforeseen or exceptional situations to the spirit of the races, Cub Scout principals, and in fairness.  This includes repairing damage caused by exceptional situations such as an official’s mishandling of a car, but does not include repairs for mishandling by the participant, workmanship, risks associated with racing, and wear-and-tear.

Building Steps:

This is an abbreviated set of instructions.  The internet provides a wealth of information and advice.  Take advantage of the King's Hobby workshop days.

  1. Decide on overall car concept and design.

  2. Mark cut-lines on car with pencil.

  3. Cut, by adult or under adult supervision!!! (see King's Hobby Car Workshop)

  4. Paint - it is recommended to first prime the car, and then use model paint. Use painters tape for clean, fine lines.

  5. Prepare the axles (nails) and wheels:

    1. Use a file to remove burrs from the axle nails.

    2. Use steal-wool to polish nails.

    3. The wheels can benefit from polishing (see other websites for details).

  6. Install axles and wheels: The easiest way to do this is to first tap the axle nails without a wheel into the pre-cut slots, and then use pliers to pull out the nail. This creates a groove making it easier to install again with the wheel. After doing this, you can generally install the axle nail with wheel by hand. It is important to mount the axle nail as high up in the slot pre-cut in the wood block.

  7. Add decorations and props as desired.

  8. Add weight to the car for it to weigh as close as possible but not over 5.0 oz. An electric kitchen scale is highly useful for accurate weighing. In a pinch, you can used 25 quarters as an approximation. Weights are typically added to the top of the car, or the underside is drilled out with weights glued in. Hot-glue works well and allows for weights to be removed. Coins, lead fishing weights, and nuts make good ballast. On race day, all cars will go through a weigh-in. Be prepared for making adjustments heavier or lighter!

  9. Add graphite powder through the hubs of the wheels. Only dry lubrication is allowed; no liquid is allowed!

Things to remember:

  • Review the rules prior to starting your car design! All cars must meet all technical specifications listed in the rules.

  • Be ready to make adjustments of weight to be at 5.0 oz or lower. The weight shown by the judge's scale on race day is the only measurement that matters.

  • Be sure all props are well mounted.

  • Be sure the car fits within the length, width, height dimensions stated in the rules.

  • Ensure the bottom side of the car is clear. Protrusions on the under-side will cause the car to bottom out on the track.

  • While a 3-wheel makes for an exciting car, all four wheels must mount on the side of the car otherwise there will be interference with the track.