One of the most highly anticipated and vividly remembered events of the year is coming soon. The Pack 574 Pinewood Derby!!!
Watch for specific details coming soon, but for now, the official weigh-in and submission for design judging will take place on January 19, from 3:30-6:00 PM at Cedar Park. Room to be announced.
This is where the cars must be delivered to be entered in the race. The official scale will be on hand, as will a table with limited tools for final adjustments. Cars will be registered and kept until the day of the race.
Race day is Saturday, January 22 from 12:00 PM-2:30 PM.
Lunch will be available...again, watch for details.
I know most of you are far more proactive than myself and may have already given in to your son's constant reminders of "we need to work on the car!", so for these folks, I apologize for not getting this information in your hands previously. We have found that it is best to provide a set of standards that everyone follows to ensure a good time for all.
It has always been a disappointment to not recognize some of the cars that are truly cool and unique but that did not perform well in the race. As a result, this year, in addition to the awards for speed, there will be a couple of others as well related to design and craft.
CUB SCOUT RACE CAR DESIGN STANDARDS
Material: Race cars shall be constructed for this event from the parts contained in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit (referred to below as the kit) as given out by the Pack. Materials from the kit may be supplemented but not replaced.
Weight: Race cars may weigh no more than five (5) ounces (total weight) as determined on the official scales during the pre-race check-in. Minor adjustments to weight will be performed at the check-in, however, each scout is encouraged to get as close to the weight as possible. Cars weighing more than five ounces which can not be easily adjusted down in weight will be entered in the Open category.
Wheels and Axles: The car shall roll on the wheels from the kit. The wheels shall turn about the axle nails from the kit. The axle nails shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body, and MUST be placed in the original 'axle grooves' in the supplied wooden block.
Size: Race cars may be no longer than 7 inches, nor wider than 2-3/4 (2.75) inches, as determined by the official gages during the Registration and Inspection. Underside clearance of at least 3/8 (0.375) inches and inside wheel to wheel clearance of at least 1-3/4 (1.75) inches is recommended, so that the car will run on the race track. Adequate clearance is the responsibility of the race car builder.
Weights and Attachment: Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements. "Weight" is considered to be any material on the car that is not provided in the kit. All weight must be securely fastened to the car, e.g. by permanent glue, nails or screws, but not by "sticky substances", e.g. tape, or tack spray. Weights shall be passive, i.e. non-moveable, non-magnetic, non-electric, non-sticky, etc. Note: The weight kits sold at the Scout Shop or at Sir Plus in Woodinville must be recessed into the car body. If applied directly to the surface of the car, there is not adequate clearance from the track to roll.
Wheel Treatment: Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) may not result in substantial removal of mass nor in reducing the wheel width from the original kit wheels. Wheels may not be machined to a beveled condition and the portion of the wheel surface that contacts the track must remain parallel to the axle.
Unacceptable Construction: The following may NOT be used in conjunction with the wheels or axles: hubcaps, washers, inserts, sleeves, bearings.
Lubricants: Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered teflon "white lube" will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. Lubricants may not foul the track.
Good luck!
