April 13, 2002
Time is approaching for the annual Patuxent District Pinewood Derby that will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2002. The location of this year’s Derby will again be at Center Court Beltway Plaza, Greenbelt Maryland. First heats begin at 10:30.
The Patuxent District Derby is open to all registered Patuxent District Cub Scouts. Every Cub that runs in the Derby will receive some sort of participation award with the top 4 finishers in each division receiving trophies, medals or other special prizes.
Attached are the rules that govern our District competition. Each car that represents your unit must meet the design criteria. We recommend that these same rules be used for running your Pack Derby. In the event that your unit’s rules differ please consult with Race Chairman before April 1, 2002.
Keep the following points in mind:
This is the premier event of the Cub Scout year so start making plans for your Packs Pinewood Derby. If you have any questions on the District Derby, contact Lenny Wertz at 301-864-0254 or email at juslenny@hotmail.com. Patuxent District Pinewood Derby Chairman
1) Length, Width, & Clearance:
A. Maximum overall width (including Wheels and axles) shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
B. Minimum width between wheels shall be 1-3/4 inches.
C. Minimum clearance between bottom of the car and track shall be 3/8 inches so the car will clear center guide strip.
D. Maximum car length shall not exceed 7 inches. This measurement includes any additional decorations added to the car such as wings and spoilers.
E. The wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) may not measure less than 4 inches. If new wheel groves are cut or the wheels moved for whatever reason, the distance between axle placements must not exceed 6 3/8 inches.
F. Commercially precut Pinewood Derby Car Kits may be used, but they must meet the above specifications. Wheels and axles found in the commercial kits may not be use in District competition The only wheels and axles that can be used are those found in the Official Scout Pinewood Derby Car Kit. Any deviations from this rule will be just cause for the car to be disqualified.
2.) Weight and Appearance:
A. Weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The readings of the official race scale will be considered final. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood, metal, plastic, paint or decals only, provided it is securely built into the body or firmly affixed to it.
No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.B. Mercury shall not be used in adding weight to the car.
C. Details such as steering wheel, driver, spoiler, decals, painting, and interior details are permissible as long as these do not exceed the maximum length, width, and clearance specifications. See A
D. Cars with wet paint or glue will not be accepted at registration and weigh in.
3.) Wheels and Axles:
A. Only the wheels and axles provided with the Official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby car Kit can be used. Axles may be polished. Wheels may be lightly sanded to remove the mold projection on the tread. This light sanding is the only wheel modification allowed.
BEVELING, TAPERING, THIN SANDING, WAFERING, OR LATHE TURNING OF THE WHEELS IS PROHIBITED
B. Wheels MUST contact the car body. Any use of bearings or bushings, or spacers between the wheel and car body are prohibited.
C. The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices, springs or other methods of propulsion.
D. ALL four (4) wheels must maintain contact with track.
4.) Lubrication:
A. Only dry powdered lubricants, such as graphite, may be used. Regular oils and silicone sprays may soften the wheels and are prohibited.
B. Once the car is registered, only the Derby Committee will handle the car. Be sure you have lubricated the axles and completed any last minute repairs before you register the car.
5.) RACING RULES:
A. The race is open to all Tigers, Cub Scouts, & Webelos from each Pack registered in the Patuxent District. Pack rules will be used to determine the participants from each Pack. All Scouts and leaders are encouraged to wear their uniforms to the Derby
B. Cars must have been made for the 2002 Pinewood Derby competition. Cars made for previous Patuxent District competitions are not permitted.
C. Each participant will race in heats, the top 2 from each heat move to next level until eliminated.
D. If a car comes off the track during the race, the following rules will apply:
1. A "NO RACE" will be declared, and the heat runs again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, it will be automatically loose of heat.
2. If a car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, a "No Race" will be declared, and the heat runs again. If the same car leaves it lane a second time and/or interferes with another car, the interfering car will automatically loose the heat.
E. If a car suffers a mechanical problem, a "No Race" will be declared, and you will have three minutes to accomplish repairs. The heat will be run again. If not, the damaged car will automatically loose the heat.
F. If a car or cars do not make it to the finish line, the car closest to the finish line will be declared the winner.
G. Only race officials will be permitted into the track area. This rule will be strictly enforced.
H. If there is a failure of the electronic finish, the race will be rerun. If the electronic finish fails again the Race officials will call the race.
I. Race officials reserve the right to penalize or disqualify entrants for poor Sportsmanship. Rulings by Race Chairman are final.
6.) INSPECTION AND DISPUTES:
A. Each car must pass inspection and weigh-in before it can compete. The Inspection Team has the right to disqualify those cars, which do not meet these rules. Car owners will be informed of the violations and given the opportunity to modify the car to meet the Derby Rules.
B. Any participant (including the parent of the participant) has the right to appeal, before start of races to the Pinewood Derby Race Committee for an interpretation of these rules. Decisions of the Race Committee and the Pinewood Derby Race Chair will be final.
C. By signing the Patuxent District Pinewood Derby Registration form, a unit leader acknowledges that his/her Pack’s cars meet District Derby requirements and that all competitors agree to abide by these rules.
7.) AWARDS:
Each participant will receive a participation certificate and ribbon. Trophies or other special awards will be awarded to the top four winners in each division (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos) All cars are automatically entered in the custom car contest and additional prizes will be awarded in several categories.
8.) REGISTRATION:
A. We would like to have units preregister prior to April 1, 2002. Everyone Preregistering will have two lanes for check in on pit row.
B. Everyone registering at the door will have a lane on pit row.
C. The registration/check-in process will begin at 10:00 with preference toward tigers & wolves.
We will start first heats of Tigers and Wolves at 10:30 with Bears and Webelos to follow until done depending on number of cars.
9.) HELP NEEDED:
The Patuxent Pit Crew is always looking for enthusiastic people to enhance the Derby operation for our boys. If you are interested in helping please contact Derby Chairman.
For further information on the Patuxent District Pinewood Derby contact the Derby Committee Chair.
All cars are to follow specifications provided with kit
Cars are not to be modified after pack race
Registration open to all registered Patuxent District Cub Scouts
Advance registration will have their own check-in line on race day.
Any comments; concerns; or questions should be brought to
Race official’s attention by April 1, 2002
Advance registration is $5.00 per person payable to BSA. Registration after April 1, 2002 is $6.00 per person
Mail to: Patuxent District Pinewood Derby, ATTN: Lenny Wertz; 5512 Carters Lane Riverdale, Maryland 20737.
You may contact Lenny Wertz either by Phone (301) 864 – 0254 or Email: juslenny@hotmail.com
Pack __________ Cubmaster/contact _______________________ Phone [D]________________ [E]_________________ Den Participant's Name Phone __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ _________ _____________________________ _________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________ __________ _____________________________ __________________