Pinewood Derby

y2kz71 · January 28, 2008

My son had his annual cub scout pinewood derby race saturday and we won first place overall. Our car is the red wedge with OCC logo. We never have won so this year we took it more serious with this car.

Its a long video due to long winded leaders so you might wanna fast forward to the races (4 total).

if the video doesnt work lemme know...this is the first video I have uploaded on you tube

OUMike · January 29, 2008

My son had his annual cub scout pinewood derby race saturday and we won first place overall. Our car is the red wedge with OCC logo. We never have won so this year we took it more serious with this car.

Its a long video due to long winded leaders so you might wanna fast forward to the races (4 total).

if the video doesnt work lemme know...this is the first video I have uploaded on you tube

Very cool man congrats...but...aren't there minimum height and weight requirements? That was how it was when I was in Scouts (like 15 years ago).

C & A s Dad · January 29, 2008

Ok JB, what did you have on those wheels and axles? Amsoil, Royal Purple or some secret brew that you will never tell us about?

Chestah · January 29, 2008

I remember when I was in Scouts, I couldn't find my car so I took my brother's old one. I ended up winning the entire race. Good times.

y2kz71 · January 29, 2008

Very cool man congrats...but...aren't there minimum height and weight requirements? That was how it was when I was in Scouts (like 15 years ago).

Theres a max width/length and max weight (5oz) and theres a lower clearance requirement so it can go down the track, also only dry graphite lube can be used. They have a wooden box built to the size specs and mine fell right in, they also have a scale and mine weighed 4.95oz. That car was built from the BSA kit.

Ok JB, what did you have on those wheels and axles? Amsoil, Royal Purple or some secret brew that you will never tell us about?

Only dry graphite lube on the wheels/axles.

Best advice is have the weight behind the rear axle, mine is balanced towards the rear. Another trick is to only run on 3 wheels...have one front wheel barely moving on track so its less friction. I also polished the axles and smoothed the wheels. I did alot of googling for tips...lol

We have never put so much effort in building one of these....but we never won either. So this year we did what the other people were doing and spent some time getting it right. I never realized how serious this has become till recently. Anyway....it payed off and my son still can't believe he won first place out of 20+ kids (He is 7yr old).

jsn0801 · January 29, 2008

Congrast on the success! Working on pinewood derby cars with my dad was alot of fun. I have 3 daughters...do girlscouts run pinewood? I'll end up building barbie houses or something.

pwall · January 29, 2008

That's one fast car.

Up North, we call it the 'Kub Kar Rally'. I've been a cub leader for a few years (too many perhaps) and I've been at a lot of races. The kids really enjoy the races. I've ran the event last year for my Area and we had 125 kids out to race. We run 3 tracks, and although the tracks look very similar to the BSA, our tracks only have 3 lanes.

But the rules/regulations for the cars are the same.

Our next Area Kub Kar Rally is the last weekend in March. I'm looking forward to it.....it really is a lot of fun, both for the youth and the adults. ;)

Last year, I made my own kub kar...I made a YukonXL and despite the size, it falls in-line with all the rules/regulations. If only I could race.....

y2kz71 · January 29, 2008

That's one fast car.

Up North, we call it the 'Kub Kar Rally'. I've been a cub leader for a few years (too many perhaps) and I've been at a lot of races. The kids really enjoy the races. I've ran the event last year for my Area and we had 125 kids out to race. We run 3 tracks, and although the tracks look very similar to the BSA, our tracks only have 3 lanes.

But the rules/regulations for the cars are the same.

Our next Area Kub Kar Rally is the last weekend in March. I'm looking forward to it.....it really is a lot of fun, both for the youth and the adults. ;)

Last year, I made my own kub kar...I made a YukonXL and despite the size, it falls in-line with all the rules/regulations. If only I could race.....

I salute you...being a leader takes alot of time and dedication. Wow....125 kids is alot. We had about 50 last year, but not so many this year....maybe 24....I dont know what happened.

They actually have races for the adults and siblings in our pack, but I never compete.

C & A s Dad · January 29, 2008

Patrick, you know that logo on the front was likely the determining factor with yours winning.

pwall · January 29, 2008

Exactly! I'll have to take a picture of my YukonXL KubKar and post it tonight.

sk · January 29, 2008

Great site with actual physics tests here:

Pinewood Derby Lectures

I just ordered this movie -- can't wait to watch it:

Down and Derby

I have 2 boys in the same Pack who have their race on March 9th who are building their cars right now.

P.S. -- If you look around on the internet and on eBay you can buy alot of things to help with your speed (special wheels, axles, etc.) but most of them are illegal for BSA events. Besides, where's the fun in that?!?! Unfortunately I'm sure some of the parents will use this stuff ......

pwall · January 29, 2008

.....

I just ordered this movie -- can't wait to watch it:

Down and Derby

......

I ordered this movie last year. It's very well done, a great family movie. My pack enjoyed watching it.

pwall · January 29, 2008

Here is a picture of my YukonXL KubKar. I'm not a wood-worker so bear with me.

It was painted with colour-matched paint for my truck (friend has a body-shop).

General Lee 01 · January 30, 2008

Very cool man congrats...but...aren't there minimum height and weight requirements? That was how it was when I was in Scouts (like 15 years ago).

Theres a max width/length and max weight (5oz) and theres a lower clearance requirement so it can go down the track, also only dry graphite lube can be used. They have a wooden box built to the size specs and mine fell right in, they also have a scale and mine weighed 4.95oz. That car was built from the BSA kit.

There's also a minimum weight requirement as well, or atleast there was when I was a cub. When we did my first car and registered @ the race they had to tape like 3 or 4 quarters to it.