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Pinewood Derby model car kits will be provided for each scout to take home at the September Pack Meeting. Every scout who takes a kit is expected to complete a car and bring it to the November weigh-in. From the kit, the Scouts will work with their parent, or other adult role model, to design a car for the Pack’s Pinewood Derby Race. Pack 150 holds the Derby on a Friday evening so that the entire family can attend. Pizza slices, soda, water and desserts sodas will be sold, so please plan to have dinner with the Pack! Scouts can freely pursue creative designs while still conforming to a maximum weight limit of 5.0 ounces (.3125 pounds), and meeting the height, length, width requirements as stated in the instructions contained in the kit. This is a fun event for the whole family and it is hoped that all scouts will participate. The mandatory weigh-in starts at 5:30 on the Thursday evening prior to the race. This is a first come, first serve session. Lines do form quickly for weigh-in. Since final adjustments to the cars weight may be needed, bring some extra weights, graphite for wheel lubrication, and tools for making minor adjustments or weight reductions. The cars will be sealed in boxes by the race committee for the Friday evening race. Please remember: - The cars must be constructed from the block of wood, wheels and axles contained in the kit given to the Scouts at the Pack meeting. Other elements may be affixed to the car for looks or to add weight up to the five ounce limit. These may include molded model car parts, drivers, nuts, bolts and coins. Custom wheels and axles however, are prohibited.
- Important directions are contained in the box. Be sure to review these instructions before starting the car. Pay particular attention to weight, overall dimensions, and clearance beneath the car so that the center rail beneath each car on the track doesn't slow it down, and the cars don't interfere with one another.
- Various debates have risen about placements of weights. Some argue the up-front is better, others say rear weights provide for the fastest race. The choice of type of weights and placement of weights is up to the Parent/Son team, as long as 5.0 ounce-limit is not exceeded. Try pre-weighing at the Post Office or other scales prior to weigh-in day. Pack 150 owns digital scales that are used the day before the race at Weigh-In. The Pack Leader or another person often makes these scales avalable at their home during the week before the race. Underweight cars are at a speed disadvantage.
- With the help of their parent, scouts construct a new car each year. As boys progress in scouting, they should assume a more independent role in the construction of their car. You might want 10 coats of candy gloss on a perfectly sanded car body, but your son will be happier doing it themselves, taking ownership and being creative. Parents may more effectively direct their energy to things that actually make the car go faster: getting the weight just right, alignment and reducing friction.
- After the official final weigh-in, the cars may only be touched by the race officials.
- Each car will race in four heats on different lanes of the track. An electronic counter records times. Race software records the times and uses the car's fastest time.
- Trophies will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, based upon fastest time, for each level of Scouts. Initially, scouts will only be racing against their own rank: Tiger, Wolf, Bear, 1st and 2nd Year Webelos. There may be other ranks on the track at the same time, but the race software will sort the cars by rank. The first place winners from each rank will have a final heat to determine the overall 1st place winner.
- Additionally, awards will be given in a wide range of categories: Most Creative, Fastest Looking, Best Paint etc.
- The Scouts get very excited during the race. Boy Scouts will be at the race to remind the Scouts to stay behind the designated lines. Please remind your son to listen to the race officials and respect the directions given.
- Bring extra cash. Pizza and sodas will be available throughout the race in the kitchen area.
- Need help? Several Dads can help answer your questions: James "Marty" Gibson (822-9994), Justin Heos (361-7307) . Also, there are several web sites with detailed information.
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