Pinewood Derby
"Be Fast... or Look Good Trying"
The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Every boy can design and build his own car to enter in the race.
Race Day
Each scout will race against other scouts from there den. (Tigers vs Tigers, Wolves vs Wolves...)
Open class race following the rank races, open to all adults, siblings, etc.
Prizes and Recognition
The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware.
Derby Workshops
Check the Pack Calendar for exact date and time
Equal Ground
All entries in the derby will start with the "Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" which includes the body, 4 axles, and 4 wheels. All nine pieces MUST be used before the car can race. The kits are sold at the local Scout Shop or online. All active Scouts will receive a kit as a Christmas present in December. Parent and siblings are on their own. Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys. The complete set of rules will be available at the Derby Workshops. Please don't worry about the small print specifically worded to exclude the leaders from some or all of the rules.
Notes:
After weigh-in, cars must stay with the Pack derby committee
Your car must be entered at one of the weigh-ins (don't forget to name your car!)
Snacks will be provided at the Derby
Scouts will race within each group (e.g. Tigers vs Tigers)
Each scout will race 4 times (once on each of the 4 lanes)
After the scouts are done, there will be an open race for anyone to enter (adults included)
Do not put a number sticker on your car - the leaders will number the cars
Weights, graphite, and tools will be available at the weigh-ins to help gain or lose weight (to stay under 5 oz)
During this week, the official scale and 'measuring box' can be made available at the scout center for checking your weight and dimensions during den meetings. Contact your den leader if you would like to pre-test your car.
The winner of each rank (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos) will advance to the District Derby, held in April. The 2nd best time in each rank will be an alternate for that Derby. (Note, ranks that have multiple dens still only yield a single 1st place).
The complete set of Pack 359 Pinewood Derby rules will be emailed out. If you lost your copy of rules, please contact your den leader for a replacement.
What's important:
Working together - the scout and adult should build the car together, according to the ability of the scout's age (as much as possible, especially for the younger scouts). It's about learning, not perfection :O)
Learning about tools - the scout should learn something about the tools and materials used
Sportsmanship ! - the scout needs to be a good sport whether he wins or loses. Please prepare your scout for the races by stressing this point. We just want everyone to have fun :O)
If you have any questions, contact your den leader.
Help:
We need several volunteers to help set up the track and to clean up after the derby. If you can help, please email Phil Jones. Thanks!
See you at the Derby!