The pinewood derby races for Pack 1783 have been in January at Boggess Elementary school. In 2011 we'll be having the race at Reliable Chevrolet in Richardson. We will be borrowing Pack 1776's PWD track. Race day for Pack 1783 is typically a Friday. Parents must purchase a kit for their scout. It may be purchased at the McKinney Scouting Store or on-line. The cost is approximately $4.00.

Hints

The most important aspect of a fast car is weight. Get it as close to the maximum weight as you can without going over.

Be sure the wheels turn smoothly and make the car go straight.

After that, you're really getting into a lot of work and details. See other sites like Pack 215's web resource for racing.

Some car templates are on-line to use or from which to get ideas.

Rules

With the Great Plains District holding district wide races, we need to conform to the district rules.

Old Rules (almost the same as the district rules)

Car Rules

Car dimensions and weight shall not exceed the following:

(The car will be placed in a box of the following dimensions prior to the race to determine if the car is within limits. If a car does not meet the dimensions limits, the car MUST be adjusted by the owner to meet these limits before being entered into the race.)

• Car width shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches
• Car length shall not exceed 7 inches
• Lateral distance between the wheels must be at least 1 3/4 inches (there is no restriction on the wheel base length up to the 7 inch total length of the car).
• Car weight cannot exceed 5 ounces (141.75 grams). Anything added to increase the weight must be fixed in place. You may not use moving weights or mercury.
• Official Parts Only. Each car must be built using the wood, wheels and axles provided in the official Cub Scout kits. Special axles, wheels or car bodies not provided in the kits cannot be used.
  
• The wheels may be filed or polished to remove imperfections. Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited. The car may not ride on springs. The axles (nails) that are provided have to be clearly visible.
• Cars must have two wheels mounted to each side of the car. If the pre-cut slots in the wood are used, the front of the car is typically where the slot is closer to the end.
• Detailing. Cosmetic details such as steering wheel, driver, paint, decals, et., are okay as long as they do not violate length, width, weight or other specifications.

Derby Rules

1. New cars only.
2. You may not race a car build for any prior Pinewood Derby.
3. Prior to the inspection, the car must have the Cub Scouts name, Rank (Wolf, Tiger, Bear, etc. ) and the year on the underside of the car.
4. Cars that are overweight cannot race, though space and some tools will be available for last minute adjustments.
5. Lubrication. Only dry, powdered graphite may be used to lubricate the axles. No oil, silicone spray or other lubricants are allowed. No graphite may be applied inside the building or after the car has been inspected.
6. Cars with wet paint will not be accepted.
7. Only gravity to propel the car. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
8. Each car must pass inspection by the Official Race Committee before it may compete. If a car fails to meet the rules, the Cub will be told what problems exist and may change the car to meet the rules.
9. Decisions of the committee are final.

Race Rules

• Good Sportsmanship!
• If a car jumps the track or interferes with another car, the heat will be rerun.
• If a car breaks down or loses a wheel, the owner will be given 5 minutes to perform repairs and the heat will be rerun.
• Following inspection, a Cub may not handle his car again until after all of the races for his group have been run except to perform repairs allowed in the event of a breakdown.

Last year we had a lot of fun!