All Ages Pinewood Derby

On May 5th, 2024 Pack 64 will host the inaugural
Portland Pinewood Grand Prix at the
Elks Lodge in the Ballroom on
McLaughlin Boulevard.

All entries benefit local Pack 64
in the Sellwood-Moreland and Woodstock neighborhood.

Check in and weigh in: noon
Racing starts: 1 pm
Awards: 4 pm (or when racing has finished)

To purchase a kit please register here:
(local delivery in the Sellwood-Moreland
and Woodstock neighborhoods is available)
https://square.link/u/0HHFbqdW

Races will follow general Scout Pinewood derby rules

Rules & Regulations

CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

  1. Maximum width – 2 3/4″
  2. Maximum Length – 7”
  3. Maximum weight – Not over 5 Ounces
    • There is an “Unlimited Class”
      which will be able to run a car that
      is over the specified weight
      but must fit on the track
  4. Minimum width between wheels – 1 3/4″
  5. Minimum bottom clearance – 3/8″
    (so it does not rub on the track guides)
  6. Car must have 4 wheels

RULES:

All entrants must register with Pack 64
to enter a car in the Portland Pinewood Grand Prix.

Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
The car shall not ride on springs.
Only official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby
wheels and axles are permitted, no razor-style wheels.
Only dry lubricant is permitted. Details, such as
steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as
these details do not exceed the maximum length,
width, and weight specifications. The car must be
free-wheeling, with no starting devices, motors,
engines, or other propulsion may not be used.

Each car must pass inspection by the official
inspection committee before it may compete.
If, at registration, a car does not pass inspection,
the owner will be informed of the reason for failure
and will be given time within the official weigh-in time
period to make the adjustment.
The racer may also choose to have their overweight
car run in the “Unlimited Class.”

Some tools will be on hand to make adjustments.
If you need a specific tool for your car please make
sure you bring it with you. After final approval, cars
will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in
handling or in a race.

You will not be able to choose which lane you race in –
there are some bumps, gaps and ridges in the track,
this is the luck of the draw.

BUILDING TIPS:

Check the grooves to ensure that each is at a perfect 90-degree angle to the car body. A car with untrue axles tends to steer to one side or the other, causing it to rub up against the side of the lane strip, slowing it down. You can check the groove angles by using a square, a protractor, or even a piece of paper. Lay square on the block to check for squareness and alignment of the slot. Use two hacksaw blades side by side to redress the slots. Use the edge of the square as a guide.

Choose your favorite design, then mark the block accordingly. Lay car body on the side, then gently drive the axles into the grooves within 1/4″ of the axle head. Axles should fit tight. With a pair of pliers, remove axles by pulling and turning gradually. Repeat on the other side of the block. Most of the cutting can be done with a hand saw, then finished with sandpaper. Details such as fins and scoops can be added at this step. Any additional weight needed to achieve a total of 5 ounces should be built into the car.
NOTE: If the car design you chose has a narrow body, make sure the area where the axles are inserted into the body remains 1-3/4″ wide, or wheels will not fit over the guide strips of the track.

PAINTING AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY:

Apply several coats of sanding sealer; then sand the entire car with fine-grade sandpaper. Give model at least two coats of fast-drying paint, in your choice of color. When the paint is completely dry sand with fine sandpaper, apply a final coat of paint, and allow to dry thoroughly. To finish, rub the entire car with a rubbing compound. Details such as windshield, driver, racing numbers, etc., should be added now. For a super finish apply a coat of auto wax and rub to a high gloss. Pre-lubricate axles and wheels using dry powdered lubricant. Do not use regular oil or silicone spray, since it may soften the plastic. Slide wheels over axles, then gently tap them into the car body grooves with a 1/4″ dowel or similar object to within 1/32″ of car body. Make sure wheels turn freely.