We’re excited to be hosting our Pinewood Derby at the Martin Auto Museum this year! The museum features over 140 vehicles, including classic cars, hot rods, customs, imports, and much more. It also has one of the largest collections of auto memorabilia, antique gas pumps, and signage anywhere.
Our Pinewood Derby will be on Saturday, January 11th from 9:30(ish) – 1pm. Â As a reminder, the Pack pays for Scout cars, but if a parent or sibling would like to race, the cost of additional cars is $5.
- You have to use everything that comes in the bag, including the wood block, wheels, and axles. You can’t purchase aftermarket parts. (You can purchase a pre-cut BSA wedge wood block, if you would prefer to start with a wedge shape.)
- The car has to be made for this race. Â No reruns or repaints.
- The max weight of the car is 141.75 grams. (Try to make it weigh as close to that as you can, without going over. The heavier it is, the faster it will go.)
- The goal is to have fun.
- There are lots of great website that provide tricks, tips, and design ideas.
- Your Scout should be HEAVILY involved in making the car. If you really want to race, get a car for the parent/sibling race 😉
- Everyone must behave in accordance with the Scout Law at all times.
- The goal is to have fun!
- The goal is to have fun!!
- The goal is to have fun!!!
1. Get your car to the max weight of 5 oz – If you are underweight your car will not be fast enough to win races. Scales are often different so try to get your car to 4.8oz before coming and then add the rest of the weight at the event to make sure we don’t have to remove weight.
2. The ideal spot to add weight is about an inch in front of your rear axle. If all the weight is in the front the car tends to wobble. If it is all in the very back it can pop wheelies. Michael’s has Pinewood Derby weight kits that easily screw into the bottom of your car. You can also use things like fishing weights, tire weights, etc.
3. Get your wheel alignment as straight as possible – this is key to your car going fast. If you want to get fancy, make it so that only 3 wheels touch the track to reduce friction. (The fourth wheel has to be present, but it can be raised.)
4. Use powdered graphite on the axles – can be purchased at Home Depot or Michaels. No liquid lubricants can be used, it ruins the track and you will not be allowed to race.
5. Keep your car aerodynamic. Do not add anything to the sides of the cars that goes past the wheel base, it won’t fit on the track.
6. There are many pictures of cars and tips posted online if you just google Pinewood Derby.
SCHEDULE
8:30AM Set up begins
9:00AM Venue opens to the Public
9:30AM Scouts arrive
9:45-10:00AM Scouts vote for Design Awards
10:00AM Racing begins!
11:00AM Family Races (adults and non-scout siblings who have entered cars)
11:45AM Scout Finals
12:00PM Awards
12:15PM Clean-up
Let us know if you have any questions!
