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What is the purpose of the Pinewood Derby?
The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn Win/Lose good sportsmanship, and to have fun.
How does Pinewood Derby work?
The Pinewood Derby is a fun Cub Scout racing event held in many packs. During the event, Cub Scouts race small, driverless wooden cars down a sloped track. The cars are powered only by gravity. Trophies or medals are often awarded for the fastest car and the best designs.
What is the history of the Pinewood Derby?
The first pinewood derby was held on May 15, 1953, at the Scout House in Manhattan Beach, California by Cub Scout Pack 280C (the present Pack 713). The concept was created by the Pack’s Cubmaster Don Murphy, and sponsored by the Management Club at North American Aviation.
Why is it called Pinewood Derby?
He asked the Management Club at his company, North American Aviation, to sponsor a miniature racing event for his Cub Scout pack that he had named a “pinewood derby.” The club agreed to pay for the wood and other materials. Murphy designed a miniature car that could be carved out of soft pinewood and wrote the rules.
How heavy can a pinewood derby car be?
MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.
Who invented the pinewood derby?
A lot has changed since Cubmaster Don Murphy dreamed up the idea for the Pinewood Derby in 1953. But a lot has stayed the same, too. The Pinewood Derby is still about Cub Scouts and their parents turning four plastic wheels, four nails and some wood into a custom race car.
What makes pinewood derby fast?
One of the most important ways to make a fast pinewood derby car is by adding weights. Because the cars are relatively light, they need to overcome friction and air resistance when navigating down the racetrack. Most modern tracks feature an initial slope followed by a long, flat section.
How do you start a pinewood derby race?
Maintain perspective. Pinewood Derby shouldn’t be all about racing, and it’s certainly not all about trophies or ribbons. Delegate responsibilities. Establish rules. Host a car-making workshop. Hold an inspection event. Gather materials. Establish a timing system. Use racing software.
Are Bent axles legal in pinewood derby?
Wheels and Axles Rules Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
What kind of wood are Pinewood Derby cars?
Pine – Any of a variety of soft, light-colored woods used for pinewood derby kits. Ponderosa Pine – A soft western pine. Sugar Pine – A soft, western pine noted for a sweet smell. White Pine – A soft eastern pine.
What is the fastest Pinewood Derby car design?
The Black PRO Car is our fastest pinewood derby car. It pushes the Speed Limit! It is track-tested car ready to race featuring our race winning PRO friction-free BSA Ultra-Lite graphite-coated wheels and PRO BSA graphite-coated grooved axles.
How do you win a Pinewood Derby race?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool-Looking Pinewood Derby Car Bake your block. Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces. Use all of the graphite (dry lubricant is usually allowed). Sand and polish your wheels and axles. Check alignment. Spend time on sanding. Use a high-quality paint. Add decals!.
What is the front and back of a Pinewood Derby car?
Which end is the front of a pinewood derby car? Either end can be the front of the car but the end of the block farthest from an axle slot gives you an advantage if it is the front of the car. The reason for this is that you can put weight farther back on the car if the rear slot is close to the end of the block.
How do you weigh a Pinewood Derby car?
Best Location to Weight Your Pinewood Derby Car When deciding on where to weight your car, you should try to reach a final balance point of the car 1 inch or less in front of the rear axle. To achieve this, place 2/5 of the added weight behind the rear axle, and the remaining 3/5 in front of the rear axle.
What is a Derby in horse racing?
In horse racing, “derby” can refer to any horse race limited to three-year-old horses. The term came from the Derby Stakes. This was a famous horse race in England. It was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby.
How many Oz is a pinewood derby car?
Most Pinewood Derby cars weigh between 1.5 oz and 3.5 oz (depending on design) without weights so a car may need 3.5 oz or more of additional weight.
Do they still have soap box derby?
The Soap Box Derby ran continuously from its inception until the onset of World War II. After a four-year hiatus, the All-American Soap Box Derby resumed in Akron in 1946, and has been held at Derby Downs every year since.
How long has the Pinewood Derby been around?
The first Pinewood Derby was held on May 15, 1953 at the Scout House at Manhattan Beach. About 55 Cub Scouts raced their Pinewood Derby cars that day. Knowing how exciting the Derby is today, I can’t imagine the enthusiasm that was running through the Scout House.
How old are Pinewood Derby cars?
Cars can be built and raced by siblings of Cub Scouts in the pack. Some packs require that siblings must be under age 11.
