Colonel Drake District

French Creek Council, BSA

Serving the youth of Clarion, Forest and Venango Counties plus the Titusville Area   

District Pinewood Derby Rules

Entry Requirements

 

The 2009 District Pinewood Derby is for cub scouts who finished first, second or third at their respective Pack Pinewood Derby during the 2008-2009 scout year.  Each racer must pay a $3.00 entry fee.  Lion cubs are not eligible for the district derby but can race in the open race.

 

Type of Derby Car

 

Only cars constructed using the Pinewood Derby Kit (#17006), authorized by the Boy Scouts of America, are eligible.  Cars made from any other kit, such as those advertised in magazines or sold on Ebay, are not acceptable.  If parts such as wheels and axels from unofficial kits are installed, the car will be disqualified.

 

Construction Timeframe

 

All cars entered in the 2009 Colonel Drake District Pinewood Derby must have been built after September 1, 2008.  Cars are to be built by the entering scout with limited assistance from adults. 

 

Dimensions

 

Width:                        Overall width shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.

Length:                      Overall length shall not exceed 7 inches.

Height:                       Overall height shall not exceed 3 inches.

Clearance:                Minimum recommended clearance is 3/8 inch.

 

Weight

 

Weight shall not exceed 5.000 ounces (141.75 grams).

No loose materials of any kind are permitted in the car.  The car may be hollowed out and built up to a maximum weight by the addition of solid material, such as wood or metal, provided it is securely build into the body.

 

Axles

 

Axle spacing is determined by the preset grooves in the block of wood provided by the kit.  Axle spacing can not be altered.  Axels may be polished, but cannot be plated or specially lubricated.  Only dry graphite lubricant or Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Wheel and Axle Lubricant (# 17240) may be used.

 

Wheels

 

No rounding or beveling of the wheel is permitted.  Milling and turning of the wheel is also prohibited.  Wheel bearings, washers and brushings are prohibited.

 

Springing/Attachments

 

The car shall not ride on any type of springs.  The car must be free wheeling with no starting device.

 

Details

 

Details such as a steering wheel, driver, paint and decals are permissible as long as they are securely attached to the car and do not exceed weight, height, width and length requirements.       

 

Weigh In and Inspection

 

Each car is weighed and inspected by the official District Inspection Committee.  The inspectors have the right to disqualify any car that does not meet stated requirements.  If your car does not pass inspection you will be given an opportunity to correct errors until the end of the registration time period.

 

Be aware that cars are often weighed on scales that are less accurate.  Changes to a car’s weight can occur due to addition of stickers, paint or glue.  Changes in humidity and absorption of the wood can also affect weight.  Be prepared to adjust your car’s weight as needed.

 

Late Entries

 

Medical/emergency – if the car is not checked in on time due to a medical emergency, the car may be entered without penalty if it is weighed and inspected before the first heat is run.

 

Unexcused reason – late entries that are inspected and weighed before the running of the first heat may be accepted at the discretion of the Inspection Committee.

 

Race Format

 

Race heats will be randomly generated by a computer program and printed prior to race day.  Each scout will race at least 5 times.  Winners are determined by the most wins.  In the case of a tie, there will be tie-breaker races.

 

Race Problems and Repairs

 

If the wheel or weight of a car falls off during the race, the heat will be repeated if a responsible person for the car (scout parent or leader) makes repairs within 5 minutes.  The car must be re-weighed following the repair. 

 

If a car is hung up on the track, or jumps the track, due to a problem with the car (such as a loose part) the heat will be re-run one time.   If the problem continues, the heat with be re-run without the interfering car.

 

If a car is interfered with during a run (ex: being hit by something, a person or debris on the track) the heat will be repeated.

 

Lubrication mid race is not allowed.  Cars should be lubricated prior to check in and inspection.

 

Awards

 

Trophies will be awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place finishers.

Each racer will get a participation certificate.

 

Sportsmanship

 

Lack of sportsman-like conduct by any participant or family member will be grounds for expulsion from the competition.