Pinewood Derby Schedule
8:30 - 8:45 Car check-in, once you check in your car, it can no longer be modified.
9:00 - 12:00 Racing begins, Typically we start with the youngest Den so they can leave when they like.
9:00 - 12:00 Racing begins, Typically we start with the youngest Den so they can leave when they like.
Pinewood Derby Racing
Once a car has been registered and checked in, it will be “impounded” to the display tables and “Pit Row”, ready for racing. Once the cars are on the display tables, they will be off-limits to handling or touching. We apologize for this and we will be steadfast enforcing this to insure that no cars get broken or damaged prior to race time.
With regard to the racing, we use electronic timing equipment. All participants will race in (4) heats, competing with their fellow Den members. The lowest sum of the (4) times per racer will determine 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place standings within the Den. Please note a 1st place finish in one or two of the four heats doesn’t necessarily mean a 1st place trophy; it will be the lowest times (of the four heats raced) recorded that will determine the winners.
Open Class is for parents and siblings who would like to race. Entries must meet the general qualification parameters of the derby event listed below. If any of the parameters are exceeded, the car will be entered into the Outlaw Class.
Outlaw Class entries cannot exceed 1 LB. in weight, maximum width shall be 2-3/4", so that it fits the track, maximum length should not exceed 10", so that it doesn't hit the track on the incline and must be gravity driven. If there are any questionable features of the car where safety is a concern, the car will not be allowed to race.
Lubrication of cars with graphite will be done outside the building. We regret that we cannot allow any graphite lubrication inside the building as it makes a terrible mess. We recommend that you make any necessary arrangements to lubricate your car prior to arriving.
Trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN and Outlaw classes.
Awards for best Workmanship and Best Design trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN class.
With regard to the racing, we use electronic timing equipment. All participants will race in (4) heats, competing with their fellow Den members. The lowest sum of the (4) times per racer will determine 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place standings within the Den. Please note a 1st place finish in one or two of the four heats doesn’t necessarily mean a 1st place trophy; it will be the lowest times (of the four heats raced) recorded that will determine the winners.
Open Class is for parents and siblings who would like to race. Entries must meet the general qualification parameters of the derby event listed below. If any of the parameters are exceeded, the car will be entered into the Outlaw Class.
Outlaw Class entries cannot exceed 1 LB. in weight, maximum width shall be 2-3/4", so that it fits the track, maximum length should not exceed 10", so that it doesn't hit the track on the incline and must be gravity driven. If there are any questionable features of the car where safety is a concern, the car will not be allowed to race.
Lubrication of cars with graphite will be done outside the building. We regret that we cannot allow any graphite lubrication inside the building as it makes a terrible mess. We recommend that you make any necessary arrangements to lubricate your car prior to arriving.
Trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN and Outlaw classes.
Awards for best Workmanship and Best Design trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN class.
Watch with your scout to learn to build the best car!
Pinewood Derby Car Regulations
- THE BODY IN THE OFFICIAL GRAND PRIX PINEWOOD DERBY KIT (KIT NO. 17006) MUST BE USED.
- Cars cannot exceed the minimum or maximum measurements:
Length = 7” maximum
Overall width = 2-3/4” maximum
Width between the wheels = 1-3/4”
Bottom Clearance = 3/8”
Weight = 5 OZ. Maximum
The wheelbase of 4 3/8" must be maintained (Distance from front to rear axle)
This simply means to not make your car shorter, put the wheel nails in the premade grooves. - Use the provided wheels and axels. Do not physically modify the black plastic wheels. You must use the axles (nails) from the kit, but smoothing the nail is allowed to reduce friction.
- The entire car must be behind the starting line. No part of the car can hang over the starting pin. The pins make contact with the center of the front of the car so best not to alter the position mid-front of the car (see picture below).
- Only graphite is permitted as an axle lubricant. Lubrication must be applied prior to registration. APPLY GRAPHITE OUTSIDE SCHOOL! IT MAKES A MESS INSIDE FOR CUSTODIANS!
- Once cars are registered, they will be impounded and off limits until after races are over.
- Each car will race in (4) heats. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place finishes will be determined by the lowest sum of (4) heat times.
- Adding weight is allowed up to the 5oz maximum, and angling how the axel nails enter the wood is allowed.
- Everyone shall display good sportsmanship and have fun!
Leadership Notes
- Make sure we have the Kingsley MPR reserved on the Friday from 6:30 - 8p and Saturday from 8a - 12p. Sometimes the Cubmaster puts this in, but otherwise anyone can get a room reservation form via the office (email Lee and ask her to send one home with your scout). Then fill it out and send it back in with your scout.
- Two weeks prior to the December Pack meeting: Ask someone with storage access to check how many pinewood derby cars we have on hand. Then Order Pinewood Derby cars and Patches for each scout in the Pack (accounting for cars we already have) from the Naperville Scout Shop (call by phone). You can also ask the Treasurer to call and pay for them over the phone to avoid the reimbursement process.
- Pass out 1 car per family at the December Pack meeting . Keep a running list of who has received a car.
- Within 1 month of the Derby, but more than two weeks prior: Arrange Trophies and Medals from Plaques Plus in Naperville. It's usually good to select a trophy that is different from last year (ask if you need a photo reference). You'll need a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophy for each den. They are typically engraved as (1st/2nd/3rd) Place (Lion/Tiger/Wolf/Bear/Webelos I/Webelos II)
2023 Pinewood Derby
Kingsley Pack 87
We typically get 2 Medals per den, one for Best Craftsmanship and another for Best Design, and those are also engraved:
(Lion/Tiger/Wolf/Bear/Webelos I/Webelos II) Best (Craftsmanship/Design)
2023 Pinewood Derby
Kingsley Pack 87
The cost ranges from $150 - $200 depending on the number of scouts we have. You pay for these and get reimbursed. - Two weeks from the Pinewood Derby, send a reminder email to the pack 87 google group and ask for volunteers to help setup the Friday night prior. Let people know they can bring their scout and car to make test runs on that evening (incentive to come).
- Ask for volunteers to bring in some coffee/donuts/bagels for the crowd.
- Before the Friday setup, arrange to get the track computer, light-bulbs for the race tower, and the bin of various supplies (weight for track, flags, etc.).
- Friday night bring all the supplies to the Kingsley MPR. The tracks are stored in the Gym Storage closet all the way in the back on the right under the ventilation duct. Mrs. Bliteck let's us store these there. Ask a custodial staff to unlock it if needed.
- The track is easy to figure out if you reference the photos. Tracks are labeled on the ends with letters so match them up.
- Saturday morning...