The pinewood derby is the wood car racing event of Scouts BSA. Pinewood derbies are often run by packs of the Cub Scouts program. With the help of adults, Scouts build their own unpowered, unmanned miniature cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
What is the point of a Pinewood Derby?
The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn Win/Lose good sportsmanship, and to have fun.
Why is it called Pinewood Derby?
Pinewood Derby is a Cub Scout racing event. Cub scouts create small cars, usually from kits that contain a piece of pine (hence the name, pinewood), 4 plastic tires, and 4 nails to use as the axles.
Who came up with Pinewood Derby?
Cubmaster Don Murphy
A lot has changed since Cubmaster Don Murphy dreamed up the idea for the Pinewood Derby in 1953. But a lot has stayed the same, too. The Pinewood Derby is still about Cub Scouts and their parents turning four plastic wheels, four nails and some wood into a custom race car.
Why did they start racing Pinewood Derby cars?
The story of the pinewood derby starts with Don Murphy, Cub Master for Pack 280C in 1953. Don Murphy wanted to create a new father-son Cub Scout activity he could do with his 10 year old son who was too young to race in the Soap Box Derby, which requires the boy to drive a home made car down a hill.
Is a shorter pinewood derby car faster?
The longer the wheel base, the greater the turning distance (a short car turns much more quickly than a long car).
Why do heavier pinewood derby cars go faster?
One of the most important ways to make a fast pinewood derby car is by adding weights. Because the cars are relatively light, they need to overcome friction and air resistance when navigating down the racetrack. Most modern tracks feature an initial slope followed by a long, flat section.
What are car Derbys called?
Banger Racing
This type of competition is known as enduro racing in the United States. At the conclusion of many banger events, all cars in running condition participate in an American-style demolition derby, in which the winner is the last car able to move.
How long does a Pinewood Derby last?
about 12 days
A regular Pinewood Derby race on a 40-foot track lasts a couple of seconds. The Pinewood Derby Race Across America is expected to last about 12 days.
How heavy can a Pinewood Derby car be?
5 ounces
MAX OUT YOUR CAR’S WEIGHT AT 5 OZ
In most races, a Pinewood Derby car’s weight is limited to 5 ounces. If your car weighs less than that, add coins or other weights.
Why is Pinewood cheap?
While oak trees take about 20 years to reach maturity (to start producing acorns), pine trees only take 1.5 to 3 years. The faster growth rate means that pine is often a cheaper option than oak as it’s easier to grow new trees quickly.
What are the disadvantages of Pinewood?
Here’s the list of Pine wood disadvantages,
- Pine wood scratches and dents easily.
- Pine wood is knotty.
- Need regular maintenance.
- Poor weather resistance.
- Difficult to stain.
- Darken with age.
- Too many movements of the wood.
What are the rules of Pinewood Derby?
Overall length cannot exceed 7”. Width (including wheels) cannot exceed 2 ¾”. Minimum width between wheels is 1 ¾”. Minimum bottom clearance is 3/8”, and the overall height cannot exceed 4”.
Can a Pinewood Derby car have 3 wheels?
You may sand the wheels to remove the seam or other imperfections on the surface, but the profile may not be changed (i.e. you can’t make the wheel width thinner). c. Cars can run with 3 wheels touching the track, but the 4th must be installed.
What is the fastest Pinewood Derby Shape?
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
What is a fast speed for Pinewood Derby car?
The distribution plot below shows a range of speeds from 177 mph to 229 mph, with most cars exceeding 200 mph.
Should I bake my pinewood derby car?
Per the Pinewood Derby rules, the weight of the car shouldn’t exceed 5 ounces. One way to ensure your car doesn’t go over the weight limit is to bake the block! Naturally, wood holds water, and water adds weight. You’ll want to help your Scout by baking the block in an oven at 250 degrees for one hour.
Is it better to put weight on top or bottom of pinewood derby car?
Weight should be placed towards the rear of the car. You can drill the weight holes in the bottom, side or rear of the car as shown in these examples. Stay at least 1/8″ away from the axle slots.
How do you win pinewood derby secrets?
10 Tips and Tricks to a Fast and Cool Looking Pinewood Derby Car
- Bake your block.
- Max out your weight at the regulation 5 ounces.
- Use all of the graphite.
- Sand and polish your wheels and axles.
- Check alignment.
- Spend time sanding.
- Use a high-quality paint.
- Add decals.
Can you use washers as weights for pinewood derby car?
Common steel washers can also be used. They weigh much less than a fender washer, so they are best used for trim weighting. I have also used them on a “Speed Bolt” for an aesthetic look. There are several types of hardware that can readily be used for embedded weight.
Should I glue pinewood derby axles?
7. Create Glue Holes: Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don’t get glue on your wheels. 8. Add Weight: Remember to make your Pinewood Derby car as heavy as the rules allow.