Pinewood Derby Rules
Pack 415 holds its annual Pinewood Derby on the third Saturday in January. Cubs are presented the pinewood derby kits at the December Pack meeting.
The intent of the Pinewood Derby is to strengthen the relationship between the Cub Scout and his parent(s) by the introduction of a construction project requiring planning, design and building techniques. The success of the project is in the construction of the car itself, not in the resulting races. The race will determine the fastest car in the fairest setting, but it will not necessarily reflect the most successful project. As the construction of the car strengthens the Cub's relationship with his parent(s), the race strengthens the Cub's character by accepting winning and losing gracefully. The Pinewood Derby race should be an enjoyable and fun family experience for all those participating. Remember, "Keep It Simple, Make It Fun!"
1. The Cub must race the same car he raced in your Pack Derby
2. Width can't exceed 2 3/4 inches, length can't exceed 7 inches, and weight shall not exceed 5 ounces
3. All cars must be built from the official BSA kit #1622. All functional parts (wheels, axles) shall be from those items provided in the kit only. There is no exception concerning substitutions for any functional part. "Pre-cut," "Pine car" and other pre-finished cars aren't allowed.
4. Axles must be inserted into precut grooves of the car body with the wheelbase of 4-7/16 inches center to center unaltered.
5. Wheel bearings, washers, bushings and wheel coverings are prohibited.
6. Axles may be lubricated with powdered with graphite or any BSA certified lubricant.
7. No wafering (sanding thinner) or tapering (slanting to run on one side) of the wheels is permitted. Wheels must remain flat with full tread surface. All wheels must contact the track.
8. All weights must be permanently attached to the car (do not allow the weight to project from the bottom of the car as this may cause the car to hang up on the center guide of the track).
9. Once the car is weighed in and placed in the pits, NO ALTERATIONS, WEIGHT CHANGES, REPAIRS OR LUBRICATION of the car will be allowed without the approval of the Race Chairman.
10. If a car breaks down after the race, it may be disqualified at the discretion of the Chairman.
11. If a car interferes with another the heat will be re-run.
12. If a car jumps the track and does not interfere with another car, the car receives last place.
13. Registration and weigh-in times are in this brochure. Weigh-in will only be permitted at specified times. BE ON TIME or be disqualified.
14. Scoring-Each car will race on each lane of the track. The top 4 will be determined by their race times. They will race each other in a final round
15. The Pack Derby Chairman or Cubmaster WILL IMPOUND THE TOP TWO FINISHERS and alternates of the Pack Pinewood Derby. No alterations may be made to the car between the dates of the Pack Derby and the District Derby. These cars shall be in the possession of the Pack Derby Chairman or Cubmaster until the date of the District Derby, at which time they MUST BE turned into the District Derby Committee or Chairman. At this time the only alteration that is permitted is the application of dry graphite.
16. There will be no Mercury tubes or other high tech devices put on or in the cars.
17. The boys who make it to the District Pinewood Derby MUST BE PRESENT AND IN UNIFORM at the Derby or they will be disqualified.
18. It will be the responsibility of the Cubmaster to see to it that all Cubs who participate in the District Derby comply with all National Pinewood Derby rules as well as all of the rules and regulations listed above. We recommend these rules be used in the individual Pack Derbies.ANY DEVIATION FROM THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION.
PARENT AND OPEN RACES
Parents and siblings are welcome to submit cars for the open races. Rules regarding size, weight, etc. will not not apply to open races. Parent entries will require a $5 entry fee.