Have you considered how close you are to the 5oz weight limit set forth in the Rules and Regulations? You have spent a lot of time designing, building and painting your car. Chances are you car will be underweight and will require the addition of some heavy items to bring it up to 5oz. If you plan your car well and consider adding weights into your design your car will never look like that in figure 1 but rather look like the car in figure 2. Not planning the location of weights would take away from the intended look of your car. Please take the time to plan the location of weights.

The style of car you design will determine the location of your weights. Long cylindrical weights can be inserted into your car by drilling holes thru the length of the car. When adding weights to the bottom of the car consider the bottom clearance of the car to ensure it meets the 3/8" minimum clearance. Flat weights or washers can be countersunk into the bottom of the car by using a Dremel tool to remove wood from the area. Do not forget that glue has weight too.

To help ensure you build the intended vehicle, the official Pinewood Derby Scale is available for use. Please check out the scale for den meetings only. Acquiring the scale for personal use is difficult and can take away its use from an entire den.

Work on your wheels

One of the most important areas of you car are the wheels. Having wheels that are balanced and lubricated will ensure that you car will make it to the finish line.

Many folks have sanded their wheels to ensure minimum friction when in contact with the track. This is ok provided you are using the official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels provided in the kit. Other wheels will not be accepted at the race inspection. Also, the axles provided with the kit must be used. These axles resemble small nails. Other axle types will not be allowed.

To ensure you have a fast car spend some time on the wheels by de-burring the axles, applying dry lubricant to the axles, and lightly sanding any burrs off of the bottom of the wheels. Remember, dry lubricant is ok to use but is not allowed at the weigh-in or race.

The Pinewood Derby provides fun for scouts and parents alike. It also provides for some friendly competition between scouts, dens and ranks. Not only can a car win for the fastest time but it can also win for design. As in years past, cars can win awards for the most original design, most aerodynamic, most patriotic theme, best scout theme, and best paint job.

There have been many fantastic designs in past years and it is exciting to see an army tank race a helicopter or a boat racing a formula 1 car. As you can tell these kinds of vehicles make for some very interesting races.

Who knows, but someday the winning vehicle may be nothing more than a cheese wedge with wheels. Figure 3 provides a few examples of vehicles used in past races.

Rules and Regulations are provided to you when you receive your Pinewood derby car kit. Please read these rules carefully. If there are any questions please contact the Derby Chairman.

Remember, if you have questions regarding anything from Rules and Regulations to "how can I help?" do not hesitate to contact the Pinewood Derby Chairman. The current chairman is Walter Sheehy and he can be reached via email or phone.

Email: waltersheehy@ameritech.net

Phone: 262-695-3049