Cub Pack 824

Category: General Pinewood Derby Build Night # 1

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Pinewood Derby Build Night # 1

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January 29, 2025

Documents that will help you with the pinewood derby cars will be handed out as we get closer.  Please note, the rules we follow are “Pack 824 rules” (will be handed out at build night).  We will be handing out the cars on our 1st build night, January 22.  We used to hand them out before build night, but parts would get lost.  In the kits, you will receive the block of wood, wheels and nails for the wheels.  There is technically nothing that you need to buy unless your child wants something specific for design.  Encourage your scout to be creative with their car.  They can add little Lego characters, toys, scout emblems, etc. to the car as long as it stays within the weight and dimensions guidelines.  We will have a couple of cars for show at our next meeting, so that you can see some of what has been done in the past.  All of the pictures from previous pinewood derbies are also on our photos page.
The pack does have the powdered graphite, weights and washers that we will put out on build night.  The cars can be NO MORE THAN 5oz.
Again, if anyone has any scroll saws, belt sanders, etc. that they can bring to assist in build night, it would be greatly appreciated as we only have 1 of each for the pack.  Please work with your child to get an idea of how they want to cut and design their car, so this way on night # 1 it will move quicker.  Attached is some information on the rules, regulations, etc. of the pinewood derby.
January 22- Build Night #1
January 29- Build Night #2
February 2- Pinewood Derby (weigh ins will be 30 minutes before the start)
Below is a list of trophies that we have done in the past for the derby.  Feel free to share this with your child, so they know that there are trophies for various topics that can be won.   Every scout who participates will receive a ribbon and patch for their participation.
There will be more information on this event as we go along.
Thank you and feel free to reach out with any questions.
TROPHIES – PINEWOOD DERBY
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Kids Choice
Flat Tire
Best Paint/Design
Most Creative
The Odd Ball Award
Spirit of Scouting Award
Cubmaster’s Choice
RULES

Pack 824 Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Rules

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CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

§ Width — 2 3/4″

§ Length — 7″

§ Weight — Not over 5 ounces

§ Width between wheels — 1 3/4″

§ Bottom clearance between car and track — 3/8″

RULES:

§ Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.

§ The car shall not ride on springs.

§ Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.

§ Only dry lubricant is permitted.

§ Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications.

§ The care must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.

§ Each car must pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make adjustment.

§ After final approval, cars will not be reinspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

§ Cars must be new built for the derby year, no re-runs or repaints.

§ Purchasing and racing a completed car is strictly forbidden. Please build it yourself.

§ Cars must not be taller than 4 inches to ensure that they clear the finish line mechanism.

§ The car must be made primarily from pinewood. Non wood embellishments and decorations can be added given that they fit within the size restrictions and are permanently affixed.

§ The wheelbase can be adjusted, but front wheels should not extend past the front of the wood chassis and similarly the rear wheels should not extend past the back of the wood chassis.

§ Each car must have 4 wheels. It is allowable for one wheel to not touch the track. All wheels must be square to the car sides and not exceed a 10 degree camber.

§ The car must have a flat front end that will rest upon the starting pin. No part of the car shall extend beyond the starting pin.

§ Wheels cannot be shaved, narrowed or rounded. They must maintain their factory provided shape and appearance. It is allowable to sand off small manufacturing imperfections.

§ The axles can be polished, but should maintain their essential length and diameter.

§ All aspects of a cars appearance and construction techniques will be subject to review by the race committee in an effort to allow for fair racing. Judgement will be at the discretion of the race committee

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