Pacific Coast 2023 District Pinewood Derby
Saturday, April 1st, 2023 9am - 6pm
at
Multi-Purpose Room - Oak Valley Elementary School, Buellton, CA
595 2nd St, Buellton, CA 93427
(scroll to the bottom to see the venue/parking map)
Email for further details: kmineau@hotmail.com
Hello Pine Wood Derby (PWD) contestants and prospects!
As our 2023 District Pinewood Derby approaches, we encourage you to take time to produce a great design that you will be proud of.
We will have three categories for the race where each den can compete in:
- Speed only
- Show only
- Speed and Show
You could produce your own design using the highlighted link to download PWD Cars template (Thanks Ken Mineau!). You can print these templates to draw a top and side view of your design, cut them out, and use them to draw the outline on your Pinewood Derby block. If you have an outline on your block, and a picture of your race car it will be helpful with getting started.
When it comes to the design and creation of your car, the sky is the limit but there are rules to follow.
Before you start:
All cars must pass the following inspection (car name and weight weigh-in) to qualify for the race:
1. Cars shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches (including wheels and accessories)
2. Length shall not exceed 7 inches (including wheels and accessories)
3. Height cannot exceed 4-1/2 inches.
4. Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
5. Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Additional wheels can be purchased separately. They need to be the exact same wheel that comes with the kit (different colors). They can be obtained at the Scouts office or maybe at Michaels.
6. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
7. Cars can be shorter than 7 inches, but cannot be longer than 7, wider than 2-3/4, or taller than 4-1/2
Starting:
The cars must be freewheeling. No starting, propelling, or springing devices (double stick tape) or bearings may be used.
Lubricant:
Only dry lubricant (graphite) or Krytox can be used. Remember that less is more when applying Krytox. If lubricants are used in excess, the car may be disqualified. No lubricants allowed at the race. Lube your car before the car is impounded.
Registration:
All cars must be registered to race. After check - in only race officials can handle cars.
Repairs:
With consent of a race official, a car that breaks can receive minor repairs. No modifications or application of graphite or Krytox will be allowed after impounding.
Awards &Classes:
Trophies and/or medals will be awarded for 3 places in all 6 dens for both show and speed classes including the family class. Family class participants cannot and will not compete in the championship race.
Weigh-In:
The race master's scale is the official scale and certified accurate. (Scale reads to the thousandths.)
Here is a short list of things that you may want to consider in your design. All the fastest cars seem to have these things in common:
1. Extended wheelbase. The wheels can go to the edge of the block but may not extend beyond.
2. The car should weigh as close to 5oz as possible and have a center of gravity .9" in front of the rear axle.
3. One front wheel is lifted so the car is running on just 3 wheels.
4. The rear axle holes are drilled at a 2 degree angle so only the inter edge of the wheel is touching the track.
There are many YouTube videos that have good information on design and painting. We encourage you to watch some of the videos before starting your car design.
Here is a very good video that explains all the dynamics of building a PWD car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RjJtO51ykY&t=100s
There are many pictures of PWD cars on the internet that will help you create your own design and custom paint job. Good luck with building your car designs, we look forward to seeing them in action at our 2023 Pacific Coast District Pinewood Derby.
Map - Multi-Purpose Room - Oak Valley Elementary School, Buellton, CA
