Pinewood Derby 2010

Date:          February 6, 2010
Location: Gregory Middle School
Time:   8:30 am to 2:30 pm

- Below are the estimated times for each den.

The Pinewood Derby is a joint Pack 887/888 event scheduled at Gregory Middle School in the commons room/cafeteria. Car numbers will be assigned at the race on a first come/first served basis. Weigh-in and inspection will start 30 minutes before the race, as indicated. Please arrive on time for the weigh-in and inspection. If the car does not meet the inspection criteria, according to the regulations included with the car kit, modifications will be allowed up until race time.

We will be running the race in a little different format this year. Each den will have 4 cars running 8 times in a heat with the heat winner running in the finals for each den. Some heats will only have 3 cars in them due to the size of the den. The winner from each den will have a final race at the end of the day to determine an overall winner.

Cub scouts need not be present to have their cars race. Qualifiers need not be present to participate in the finals.

All cub scouts will be awarded medals. Race results and Judgings will be compiled immediately following each race, and the medals will be awarded at that time.

* An adult race will be run following the scout races. This race will be for any parents or siblings that would like to build a car and race it. The only rules for the adult race are weight, width, length, clearance and height restrictions as indicated below. The adult race time is approximate, it will immediately follow the final race.

Pinewood Derby Regulations for 2010

Body:

The body in the Official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit must be used. Bodies of other materials will be grounds for disqualification. The body may be shaped, hollowed out or built up from the original block, as long as it meets all other specifications. Any additions to the original body, (i.e. steering wheels, drivers, decals, weights, etc.), must be firmly attached.

PLEASE NOTE: Only new cars can be raced, cars used in previous years’ races are not allowed.

Length, Width and Clearance:

The maximum overall width, (including wheels and axles), shall not exceed 2 ¾". The minimum width between the wheels shall be 1 ¾" so the car will clear the center guide strip on the track. The minimum clearance between the bottom of the car and the track surface shall be 3/8" so the car will clear the center guide strip on the track. The maximum overall length shall not exceed 7". The wheel base, (distance between the front and rear axles), may not be changed from the kit body as supplied. Due to an electronic finish gate the height of the car cannot exceed 2 ½".

Weight:

The weight of the car must not exceed five ounces as measured on the official scale. Weight can be added to achieve the maximum weight. No liquids or loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.

Wheels and Axles:

Only the wheels and axles furnished in the official kit can be used. If the ones in the kit become damaged, contact your den leader. Additional parts will be supplied to you. Parts not from standard kits will be reason for disqualification. No washers, bushings, solid axles, bearings or springs are allowed. Wheels may be sanded to remove the flashing or rough surfaces. No reduction in width or diameter of the rolling surface, or changes in the track contact shape are allowed, (i.e. no beveling, tapering or thin sanding allowed). Axles may not be altered in any way except for polishing. The car shall not ride on any type of springs. The car must be free-wheeling with no starting device or other type of propulsion. The four wheels, two on each side, must be placed such that the car will straddle the lane guide and maintain all four wheels in contact with the surface of the track.

Lubrication:

Use dry powdered graphite only. No graphite may be applied inside the building, or after car inspection.

Other:

There is no designated front or back to the supplied body, either end may be the front.

Inspection:

Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete. The inspectors will notify any car owner of discrepancies. These discrepancies, including weight violations, may be corrected before race time. So, arrive early to allow time. The inspectors will disqualify any car not meeting these rules. No exceptions.

Guidelines:

The Pinewood derby is a parent–son project. Please feel free to give guidance and minimal assistance to your Scout as he builds his car. Show him and instruct him how to work on his car, but let him do as much of the work as possible. This is a chance for your son to be part of a team, (parent and son), to enjoy the spirit of friendly competition with his peers, and to enjoy the satisfaction of building his own car from the kit provided.

If you have any questions please contact:

Bryan Kartheiser This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 630-548-2249