About Pack 1353
Cub Scout Philosophy
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The Cub Scout colors are blue and gold. They have special meaning,
which will help boys see beyond the fun of Cub Scouting to its
ultimate goals.
The blue stands for truth and spirituality, steadfast loyalty,
and the sky above.
The gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.
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The first Pinewood Derby ever held took place in 1953. Pack 280C
of Manhattan Beach, California gathered at the Manhattan Beach
Clubhouse and made Cub Scout history.
Cubmaster Don Murphy had been looking for an activity that his
10 year old son, Donn, could participate in after being too young
for a soap box derby. Remembering the cars and airplanes he used
to carve as a child he decided his Cub Scouts could work with
their fathers and carve their own race cars. He felt this activity
would foster a closer father-son relationship and good sportsmanship
through competition.
Today most of the rules and regulations of the Pinewood Derby
remain the same. Cub Scouts and their parents look forward to
the race each year. Don Murphy, the father of the Pinewood Derby,
still takes great pride in the event he started over 50 years ago.
A regulation Pinewood Derby track can be found in the National
Scouting Museum where visitors can race their own cars or a car
provided by the museum.
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**Design Tips **
1. Have your son draw a design on paper then cut it out and use it
as a template. I use the paper with the little squares on it to make
it easier for him. Draw a side and top view on the paper by tracing
around the block of wood.
2. Keep the car a full seven inches. It has to do with the physics
of velocity and length of travel of the weights.
3. Use the full 2 3/4 inches (outside wheel to outside wheel) that
the rules give you. This will allow the wheels to travel farther
before hitting the center strip.
4. Leave a lot of wood in the back to put in the weights.
5. Use the groove closest to the end of the block of wood as the
rear axle. Trust me, it helps. If you are interested in discussing
the physics, please e-mail me.
6. Try to refrain from making the front of the car pointed. It is hard to set up
against the starting dowels.
7. Use your imagination. Be creative. Shape has the least to do
with winning. A beaver driving a log or even a pickup truck is
more interesting than a wedge and will be just as fast. The
aerodynamics of a small block of wood doesn't mean much in thirty
feet.
Rules:
The width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
The length of the car shall not exceed 7.0 inches.
The weight of the car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
The wheelbase of 4 ½ inches must be maintained.
Axles must reside within axle-slots, slots may be squared, cleaned-up, or re-cut if
necessary.
A minimum ground clearance of 3/8 inches is required to clear the center strip.
Axles, wheels, and body wood shall be as provided in the Official BSA Kit.
Wheels may not be accessorized by the use of bearings, washers, or bushings.
Wheels must remain the original width and may not have rounded or V-shaped rolling
surfaces.
All four wheels must contact the track surface.
Only dry graphite lubrication may be used on the wheels and axles.
The car shall not ride on any type or kind of spring.
Any details or accessories must be within the length, width, and weight limits.
There are no height limitations for our race.
Your car's design must be such that 100% of the vehicle will stage behind the
starting peg.
The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
No loose materials of any kind (i.e. Lead shot or liquid weight, such as mercury) are
allowed in the design.
Cars that do not pass initial inspection will be given opportunity to make adjustments
until final check-in.
Each heat will be announced. All Scouts will report to the track area.
All other spectators must remain behind the safety line.
Race officials will place cars on the track.
After cars have been officially checked in, no one but race officials may handle the cars.
The official starter will align the cars on the track and start the race.
The car whose nose is over the finish line first is declared the winner.
In the event of a dead-heat or split-decision, the cars will change lanes and race again.
Lane designations will be determined randomly prior to each heat.
If a car leaves the track, runs out of its lane, interferes with another car, loses an
axle, etc., the track will be inspected, and the heat will be run again with no lane
changes. If the same car has trouble again (in the same manner) it will be disqualified
from further racing.
ALL DECISIONS OF THE RACE OFFICIALS ARE FINAL!!!
Good Sportsmanship is EXPECTED from all Scouts and Spectators!
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