OFFICIAL
PACK 204
PINEWOOD DERBY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Updated November, 2007
Q: Cars that are not checked in by the deadline will not be able to race. That seems pretty strict. Why the restriction?
A: Pack 204 is using new chart based software to administer and run the derby. Once the chart is generated and the racing begun, cars cannot be added without invalidating the previous heats run, regenerating a new chart and starting over.
Q: The old way of racing (double elimination by Den) seemed okay. Why the change? And what is chart based racing?
A: The new way of running the derby gives a few big advantages.
1. In the double elimination format, nearly one-half of the cubs saw their cars eliminated after running just TWO heats (i.e. two losses and you’re eliminated).
2. In chart based racing, every cub will race 8 heats, twice in each lane, against 24 different cars (cars may be from the same or different Dens). Depending on attendance, expect about 64 heats.
3. Lane assignments are pre-determined and equal. You can’t lose by “drawing the slow lane”.
4. Competition is higher quality and more fair. Cars are now ranked based on a total elapsed time of 8 runs, exactly twice in each lane. Since time is what is scored, who you’re matched up against has no impact on the Round scores.
5. Racing against more cars. Cubs don’t have to watch their cars race against the same cars again and again.
6. You don’t have place in the top 3 of your den in order to advance to the pack finals. The fastest 7 cars across the pack go to the finals.
7. A copy of the Race Chart is printed out and displayed on an overhead projector. You can always see when and who you’re racing next.
8. There is less “down time” and the total event is shorter. The main round should take just over an hour to complete. Each car will race about every 8 minutes (on average). The Pack Finals round should take another 20 minutes to run. No more waiting 2 hours for your Den’s turn to race.
Q: How does race day work in practice?
A: There will be two rounds, a Main round and a Pack Finals round.
1. Cubs arrive, check in their cars, and have them inspected.
2. When inspection closes, the racing chart for the Main round is generated.
3. Main round racing begins.
4. Results of each heat are displayed on the computer screen, along with who’s on deck to race.
5. Start time and finish time collection is automated by connecting our timer to the scoring computer.
6. Automated scoring, along with the on “deck list” will allow us to run heats faster. We’re shooting for one heat per minute.
7. In each heat, cars are ranked 1, 2, 3, & 4, but cumulative round scores are generated based on TOTAL ELAPSED TIME for each car, not the 1, 2, 3, or 4 finish.
8. Once the Main round is over, scores are based on total elapsed time.
9. Winners are announced 1, 2, or 3 for each Den only (No Rank level awards).
10. The top 7 finishers, across the pack and regardless of Den, are selected for a Pack Finals Round.
11. A new chart is generated for the Pack Finals Round. This round has:
a. Has 14 heats.
b. Each car races in each lane exactly twice.
c. Each car faces each opponent 4 times.
d. Each car faces every opponent with perfect lane opposition (if I race you with me in lane 1 and you in lane 3, later I’ll face you with me in lane 3 and you in lane 1).
e. (This is a “Complementary Perfect N” chart, for you math fanatics.)
12. Pack Finals Round racing begins and is run as before.
13. Scores are determined based on total elapsed times.
14. The top 3 finishers in the Pack are announced
15. Trophies and awards are presented AT THE NEXT PACK MEETING.
Q: The Hobby store at the shopping center sells precut car bodies. Can I use those instead of the block from the kit?
A: No, all cars entered must be constructed from the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit. (Reference: Rule G-2)
Q: My front wheels extend beyond the front of my car. Is this permitted?
A: No, when at the starting gate, the wheels would extend past the starting pin. (Reference: Rule T-4.1)
Q: My car has a hole in the middle. Can I stage it at the starting line so the starting pin goes up through the center of the car?
A: No, no part of the car may extend beyond the starting pin. (Reference: Rule T-4.1)
Q: My car was weighed at the XYZ High Precision Laboratory and found to be 4.999995 ounces. At race day inspection, I was told my car was too heavy and that I must reduce its weight before it will be allowed to race. Why can’t I use XYZ High Precision Laboratory’s measurement?
A: Five ounces is as determined by the Official Race Scale. Every effort will be made to assure that Official Race Scale is accurate and that a reliable 5-ounce standard is available to verify the Official Race Scale’s accuracy. The important thing is that everyone races according to the same standard. (Reference: Rule T-2)
Q: Oops! My car is much lighter than 5 ounces. Can I add weight on race day?
A: Yes, provided that the rules, especially Rule T-5, are satisfied and the modifications can be made before registration and inspection closes. Of course, after the modifications, the car must still pass inspection.
Q: Do I have to put the axles in the slots of the original block?
A: Yes, refer to rule T-3.
Q: I heard about a “super slick” lubricant that I want to use on my wheels. Is that allowed?
A: Yes, provided it is dry at the time of inspection and racing. Oil and grease are not “dry”. Graphite is dry. (Reference: Rule T-11)
Q: My car has only 5/16” clearance between the bottom of the car and the bottom of the wheels. If my car leaves the track because of a track “high spot”, will a rerun be allowed?
A: Probably not. The car will be determined to be “at fault” because it is not compliant with the rules. (Reference: Rule T-4.3)
Q: My wheels and axles from last year performed really well. Can I use them in this year’s car?
A: No, See rule “G-4. New Work” under General Rules.
Q: When I set my car on a flat surface, one of the wheels does not touch. Is this okay?
A: Probably. In some instances it can be very difficult to get all four wheels to touch the surface simultaneously. What the Inspector will be looking for on cars that do not have all four wheels touching a flat surface simultaneously are intentional signs of making a car a “three wheeler” such as re-drilled axle holes, purposely canted axles, etc. (Reference: Rule T-7).
Q: What are the approximate dimensions of the track?
This length is believed to be approximately 35 feet with a drop of approximately 4 feet, however this measurement is not guaranteed. This approximate description is believed accurate but is not guaranteed.
The track begins with a steep slope of approximately 30 degrees, the track reaches ground level and flattens out shortly before the half-way point, and the last half of the track is a long flat “run-out” to the finish. This approximate description is believed accurate but is not guaranteed.
The lanes consist of a straight, smooth aluminum divider strip approximately 1-1/2 (1.50) inches wide, but certainly less than 1-3/4 (1.75) inches wide, and approximately 1/4 (0.25) inches, but certainly less than 3/8 (0.375) inches thick, centered on a smooth surface no less than 4 inches wide. The car rolls down the track and is kept on the track by the center strip between its wheels.
Q: How can I learn to make a fast car?
A: There’s lots of information on the web. If you google “pinewood derby” your first links will be to sites that will offer to sell you guides on how to build a winning car for money. To get a wider range of information and free sites, combine “pinewood derby” with other interesting words. Suggested searches include:
“pinewood derby” +friction
“pinewood derby” +aerodynamics
“pinewood derby” +alignment
Q: Any other tips?
A: It’s a fair challenge just to build a car that will run to the end of the track without stopping. Be sure your car weighs at least 4.5 ounces.
Your car should roll as straight as possible. The more it bumps against the center strip, the slower it will go.
On the web, you’ll find resources pointing out that the further aft in the car the weight is placed, the more potential energy the car will have. While this is true, another consideration is the weight distribution on the wheels of the car. If the weight distribution is too far back, the car does not track well, and will have trouble staying in its lane.
The most common cause of cars leaving their lane is weight placement too far aft in the car.