Pack 903 Pinewood Derby

Sunday, January 13 or 20, 2008  -  Weigh in Starts at 1:00 p.m.

Pinewood Derby Cars are small wood models of specified dimensions, created and carved by boys, under guidance of parents and raced by the boys. They are gravity powered and run down a regulation track. The derby is run in heats, with cars starting from a standstill and running unaided down the ramp to the finish line. A wooden strip placed down the center of each lane guides the cars. In addition to the races for the boys, there will be a PARENT RACE (for Dads and Moms) and a SIBLING RACE (for both younger and older boys and girls).

Car Qualification Rules

1.       The “Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit” with the scout seal on the box MUST be used for the race.  The kits are being provided to each scout by the pack.  If additional kits are needed they are available at the Scout Shop or Army Surplus for around $3.50.

2.       Car must have been made this year.

3.       The width shall not exceed 2 3/4”.

4.       The length shall not exceed 7 3/8”.

5.       The bottom clearance must have a minimum of 3/8” above the track surface (including the weights if on the bottom.)

6.       Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are not to be used.

7.       Added details must be within length, width and weight limits.

8.       The car must be free wheeling with no starting devices.

9.       No loose material of any kind is to be in or on the car.

10.   Powdered Graphite may be used on the wheels. (NO LIQUID GRAPHITE OR OTHER LUBRICANTS)

11.   The body of the Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit, provided by the pack, may be modified any way you wish (i.e. cut, sanded, filed, etc.)

12.   Only the official wheels and “nail” axles may be used. Extra wheels and axles are available at the Scout Shop or Army Surplus if yours are lost of broken. Axles may be polished, and wheels may be sanded to smooth out any irregularities. NO WHEEL MODIFICATIONS ARE ALLOWED. The wheels must remain flat and original width (i.e. they cannot be rounded, notched, etc.)

13.   THE CAR’S WEIGHT SHALL NOT EXCEED 5 OUNCES. Cars will be checked on official scales the day of the race and time for weight adjustments will be allowed. The post office has an accurate scale available in the lobby to check your car before race day.

14.   Some extra weight and tools will be available, but weight adjustment is the responsibility of the parents, so bring tools and supplies for adjustments if you have them. Weights can be hot glued to the car that day.

Car building Tips

1. Remove mold projections from wheels.                               

2. Sand wheels lightly.

3. Polish axles before putting into wheels. (steel wool works well.)      

4. Glue axles into car body very carefully.

5. Place weight over, or as close to , the rear wheels as possible.            

6. Have a smooth paint job.

7. Long wheel base cars run straighter down the track.                      

8. Use powdered graphite only.

9. Have a smooth paint job.                                              

10.Three wheels go faster than four. Leave clearance under one front wheel.

Concessions

 There will be pop and pizza by the slice available from Pizza Hut. Slices are $1.50. Whole pizzas can be pre-ordered for $12.00. To place pre-orders for whole pizzas email John Kennington or call at 809-6325 by January 19, 2007.