2008 Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Grand Prix Race

 

 

The Choctaw Area Council is pleased to announce the Annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby has been scheduled for Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 and will be hosted by the ? (Check back here for updates).  Please remember to wear your uniform!  Parents please remember all Cubs must attend with a parent or guardian.

 

History

The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 in Manhattan Beach, California.  The Pinewood Derby cars are small, wooden model cars crafted and assembled by the boys, under the guidance of their parents and other family members.  The cars are gravity powered and run down a regulation track.  The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in Cub Scouting.  It requires planning and preparation, but it’s value in fun and in strengthening family relationships has been proven over the years.  We hope you will spend some time with your son in making and racing a car this year.

 

Sportsmanship

Derby Racing requires your commitment to learn several things: the skills necessary to make your car, the rules that must be followed and good sportsmanship.  The first thing to remember about sportsmanship is that everyone’s skills are different and we must have respect for them.  The second thing to remember is to follow the rules.  This is called being fair and honest.  The third thing to remember about good sportsmanship is there are winners and losers in every competition.  You know this when you choose to compete.  There are times when you will win and be happy and times when you will not win and be unhappy.  Being a winner is easy but not winning is sometimes hard.  To be a good sportsman, you must be able to say, “I did my best” and be satisfied with the results.  If you win, you must not gloat.  Parents and leaders, this is a good time to review sportsmanship with your Cub Scouts.

 

Cub Masters

This event is run by volunteers.  We need your help in organizing this race.  Please recruit 2 parents from each of your packs to help work at this event.  We will need helpers at the registration and inspection stations and assistance in the staff area, etc.  Thank you for your help.

  

THE DESIGN CLASS

 

The design class judging will take place immediately following each race.  The design class is for those that wish to show off their craftsmanship.  There will be a trophy awarded for the best design in each age group.  Judges will look for the best design including; paint, smooth curves, decals, any special features added to the cars, etc. 

 

FURTHERMORE
 
This year templates, decals, weights and graphite are available and may be purchased along with your Pinewood Derby kit from the Scout Service Center located at 2401 9th Street in Meridian.  Rules and regulations are listed below. For additional information, please call the Scout Service Center at 601-693-6757.  See you on race day!

 

 

Pinewood Derby Schedule
Age Group Registration Race Time* Design Class Competition
6 year olds 9:30 AM 10:00 AM Immediately Following Race
7 year olds 10:00 AM 10:30 AM Immediately Following Race
8 year olds 10:30 AM 11:00 AM Immediately Following Race
9 year olds 11:00 AM 11:30 AM Immediately Following Race
10 & **11 year olds 11:30 AM 12:15 PM Immediately Following Race
Overall (Finals)   1:00 PM Immediately Following Race
       *All race times are approximate
     **Only 11 year olds in the 5th grade are allowed to participate

 

RACE DAY PROCEDURE

Check in at the registration station.  You will be given a registration card to pin on your shirt and a derby patch to keep.

 

Proceed to the inspection station.  If your car meets all derby requirements, you will be given a colored inspection sticker signifying your age group and eligibility to participate.  If you do not meet the derby racing standards, you will be sent to the pit stop to modify your car.  You must then return to the inspection station to receive your inspection sticker.

 

You are ready to go.  Wait at the racetrack and listen for your age group to be called.

 

Finals:  First, Second & Third Place winners in each age group will compete for the overall winner (i.e. the really big trophies!)  This also includes design class winners.

 

 

 Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Car Rules

Rules & Regulations To Be Followed (No Exceptions)

Each boy, under the guidance of parents and den leaders, must build his own car.  Each year, the Scouts must work to improve their skills and build a new car.  A Cub Scout may not use a car from a previous year.

Racing Qualifications:

  Cars must be built with the materials furnished with the pinewood Derby Car Kit.
  Width-Overall car width including wheels and axles shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
  Length - Overall car length shall not exceed 7 inches.
  Weight - The completed car shall not exceed 5 ounces. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of solid materials provided it is securely built into or attached to the car. Loose and/or liquid materials are not allowed.  All cars being raced must meet weight specifications on the official scales provided the day of the race.  (THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS).  Winning cars may be re-weighed following each race.
  Shape - The car may be of any style but no part of the car may extend beyond the front bumper, which rests against the starting pin.
  Axles - Only the nails furnished with the kit are allowed.
  Wheels - Only wheels furnished with the kit may be used (Slicks from kit #l622 or #1623)
  • Wheels may be sanded to remove burrs but the tread area must remain flat. The tread  area may not be rounded, grooved or shaped to a point.
  • No wheel bearing, bushings or washers are allowed. The wheel must spin on the authorized axle.
  Lubrication - Any type of lubricant is permitted on axles but must be applied prior to weigh-in.  Caution - some liquid lubricants have melted the plastic wheels. Powdered graphite is the most commonly used lubricant.
  The car shall not ride on any type of springs or have any starting devices. The car must be freewheeling.
  Details added to the car, such as, a steering wheel, driver, decals, etc., are permitted so long as they are securely fastened to the car and do not exceed the car's size/weight limit.
  Magnets - No Magnetic material may be used in or on the car.
  Once the car is weighed in and accepted for competition, it will be placed in the custody of racing officials and will not be taken out until the car is scheduled to run.
  Inspection:  Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee, which has the right to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications.  Car weights may be re-checked after racing.
  The car may not be designed to give it an unfair advantage at the starting gate.

JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL!

These are based on the official council rules.
Questions - please call the Council Office at 601-693-6757

 

LINKS to PineWood Derby Sites

(Each Link Will Open a New Window)

The Ultimate Pinewood Derby Site
Car tips...Speed tips.....Race tips Written in an informative and humorous fashion. One of the first Pinewood sites on the internet.

How To Improve A Pinewood Derby Car
The building and racing of a pinewood derby car can be a very difficult process. "The goal is to have the car move from starting line to finish line in the least amount of time possible. This is a scientific research paper presented by one scout.

Ol' Buffalo Pinewood Derby Tips
Tips for building a fast pinewood derby racer.

**** Scouting encourages good sportsmanship. ****

Cars will be disqualified if the Scout or his parents display un-sportsman-like conduct during the race.

 

Horizon