Get ready to let your creativity shine with this year’s theme, The Magic of Scouting! Whether its magic tricks or fairies, dragons or Disney, let your imagination run wild as you design your car around this year’s theme.   Of course, sticking to the theme isn’t required, but cars that do will have a chance to win the coveted “Scout’s Favorite Design” award!

Pinewood Derby cars were distributed at the December pack meeting, but if you were unable to attend please check in with your den leader to pick up your car and get started on your epic design.

RULES ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST – PINEWOOD RULES ARE VERY STRICT.

Our Pack 540 Cub Scouts will work together with a parent or guardian (you!) to build confidence – and their own custom race car! Please begin with an official Pinewood Derby Race Car kit (block, wheels and axels), then create a carved design from the woodblock provided in the kit. You can then detail it with paint, decals, and accessories, and perfect your strategies to compete in our annual Pinewood Derby Race. It’s a learning experience centered on teamwork, ingenuity, and sportsmanship.

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CUT DAY: SAT, DEC 13TH, 2-4:30PM AT THE PAVILION

1. The pack will have a saws on hand to help cut out your car. Sign Up for your Cut Time HERE.  If you have a scroll or band saw, PLEASE LET US KNOW!
2. Please plan out your design in advance and arrive ready to have our leaders help cut. You can use a template to draw on your pinewood block.
3. READ THE RACE RULES!! Make sure your car meets track clearance guidelines, outlined below.
4. WEIGHT LIMIT is 5oz, according to the pack scale. You MAY NOT BE OVER this limit. We are strict.

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WEIGH-IN: SAT, JAN 24th, 10:30AM-12:00PM AT THE SCOUT HUT

• Your car will be weighed on the official Pack scales and should weigh as near to 5.0 ounces WITHOUT going over. Try to weigh your car before the weigh-in using a kitchen scale if possible.
• All cars should also follow the Pinewood rules below for specifications and measurements.  
• You will be asked for your car’s race name and be given a race number. Then your car will be safely impounded overnight; you’ll see it the next day at the race.
• We will be selling $1 “shout-outs” to read out during the race! We will be accepting cash, check, or card through Square. These are a fun way for scouts to feel encouraged during the race!

****If you cannot make it to weigh in, a friend or other scout family is welcome to bring your car to weigh in and impound. Late entries will not be accepted on race day***

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RACE DAY: SUN JAN 25th, 2PM at the Family Life Center

The race will start on time, and you will have the opportunity to buy snacks, drinks, listen to jokes, cheer, and see who builds the fastest car in our pack! Please keep in mind that family involvement is still what makes our Pack great! We need some volunteers for other aspects of the race day. If you would like to assist in any way, please email Lindsey at pack540.duewest@gmail.com. We are in need of concession stand help, decorating, cleanup, as well as a pit crew assist.

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PACK 540 PINEWOOD RULES

1. All cars must begin with a BLOCK of wood from a Pinewood Derby Kit.  Pre-cut derby cars will not be allowed to enter any races. 
2. All car bellies should not be higher than 3 inches from the tabletop.
3. Clearance between wheels on the same axle must be at least 1 3/4 inches.
4. The overall width of the car shall not be more than 2 ¾ inches.
5. ***The car should have at least 3/8-inch clearance underneath (from tabletop to bottom of car)***
6. The length of the car shall not be more than 7 inches.
7. The completed car shall not be more than 5.0 ounces (141.8 grams) as weighed by the official designated Pack Scale.
8. The design of the car must allow for it to be held by the starting gate, and no part of the car can extend beyond the inside edge of the starting gate release rods.
9. The car shall not ride on any type of spring.
10. The distance between the front and rear axles must be the same as comes in the original kit slots. Approximately 4-3/8 inches or 11 CM.
11. The 4 axles furnished with the kit and any official BSA wheels (any color) must be used.
12. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are not allowed.
13. Wheels may be lightly sanded to remove any burs or imperfections.   Wheels cannot be reshaped or altered.
14. The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices.
15. No oil, grease, or silicone spray may be used on the axles or wheels.  Only powdered or liquid-to-dry graphite is allowed.
16. Painting and detailing are allowed, so long as they are within all rules and acceptable in the spirit of scouting (there will be a Scout’s Choice design contest).
17. The car will be impounded at the weigh-in and cannot be altered in any way until the completion of the race.