Sunday, March 30th at Westchase Elementary
Join us for our most popular event of the year – the Pack 46 Pinewood Derby!
Who can race?
Everyone! All registered scouts get one Car Kit and Race Entry included with their Spring Dues. Any non-Cub Scout (youth or adult) may purchase an entry to compete in the Outlaws or Outlaws Unlimited category! Contact [email protected] if you are unable to pick up your car and still need a kit.
Race-Day
Racers or their designee can show up any time between 9a-12p on Sunday to register, weigh-in, measure-in, and drop off their car. This is the last time racers can touch their cars until trophies have been awarded. No registrations will be accepted after 12:00p. Racers will receive their racing credentials at registration, then can leave until the races that afternoon.
Race-Day Schedule – Sunday March 30th at Westchase Elementary:
9:00-12:00: Open Registration & Car Drop-off
12:00-1:00: Judging (No Scouts in the room during judging)
1:00-2:30: Lions, Tigers, Wolves Heat
2:30-3:30: Outlaws Heat
3:30-5:00: Bears, Webelos, AOL Heat
Awards (1st through 3rd in Speed per Den, and 1st through 3rd in each creative category per heat) will occur after each heat, so families may attend just their heat, or stay for other heats if you want to watch all the action! Concessions will be open all afternoon. Scouts should be in Class-A Uniform for the races.
Judging
Cars will be judged for creativity from 12:00-1:00pm. No scouts are permitted in the cafeteria during judging. Scouts will choose one of four creative categories on race-day to register their car under:
STEM
Movies/TV/Gaming
Animal Kingdom
Creative (anything goes)
Car Requirements
- Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
- Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
- Height shall not exceed 3-1/4 inches.
- Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
- Vehicle must clear center guide strip of the track (3/8″ H x 1-3/4″ W)
- Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Alternate wheels sold by BSA are acceptable.
- Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
- No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite.
- The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
- The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting or propulsion devices.
- No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
- At least three wheels must be touching the track when racing.
- Every part of the car must begin behind starting pin.
*Cars that do not meet all requirements during registration will need to be modified into compliance to compete, or must compete in the “Outlaws Unlimited” category.
Outlaws
An Outlaw is any racer not registered as a Pack 46 Cub Scout. This heat is open to everyone – kids and adults! Outlaws may purchase a Car Kit and Race Entry for $20 at the Pack Meeting (or by contacting us). Outlaws will only compete in Speed and Creative Categories, and must follow the Car Requirements above to compete in Speed.
Outlaws Unlimited (NEW)
Any vehicle from any racer (scout or non-scout) that does not comply with the car requirements below may compete in the Outlaws Unlimited category. This category will be judged for design (Creative only) with the Outlaws, but will race in a separate heat. Cars must fit and ride freely on the track without impeding other vehicles, cannot use lubricating oil, and weigh no more than 8 oz in order to race and compete in speed. Outlaws Unlimited may purchase a Car Kit and Race Entry for $20 at the Pack Meeting (or by contacting us). Outlaws Unlimited may enter a pre-cut kit but will still be required to pay the $20 entry fee.
Build Your Car
Pack 46 will host a Pinewood Derby Workshop on Saturday, March 8th, from 9:00-1:00 at the home of Ross & Elizabeth Stoddard: 9020 Lake Sunset Dr., Tampa, FL 33626
This is an optional workshop where Scouts and Outlaws can design, cut, and assemble their cars using the Pack’s and other volunteers’ tools. There is no dedicated time to be there – so show up anytime between 9a-1p and take as much time as you need for your car. We will have car kits available for scouts who have not yet received theirs (included in Spring dues), and kits for purchase for Outlaws ($20 for a kit and race entry).
Test Your Car
We will have the track set up at the Pack Meeting Tuesday, March 25th for dry runs!
Finally, Scouts grow through challenge. We encourage parents to help your scout build and design their car, but please do not do it for them. It is a great opportunity to let your scout be creative and work side by side with them to build something they can be proud of!
