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2017 UNION PINEWOOD DERBY – Rules & Regs

UPDATED RACE SCHEDULE

Tap Room Opens at NOON.

Registration Opens at 12:30 pm.

Races Begin at 2pm.

Registration Closes at 2:30pm.

Winners announced at conclusion of all races.

The bar will be open and Well Crafted Pizza will be serving food.

To insure a spot tickets will be sold beforehand.

 

CAR SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum width – 2-3/4″

Maximum Length – 7”

Maximum Weight – Not over 5 Ounces

Minimum width between wheels – 1-3/4

Minimum bottom clearance  (so it does not rub on the track guides) – 3/8″

Car must have 4 wheels.

 

RULES

All entrants must be 21+ to enter a car in the Union Pinewood Derby. 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. 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.

 

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 block to check for squareness and alignment of 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 (See Figure 1). 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 (See Figure 2). Repeat on the other side of block. Most of the cutting can be done with a hand saw, then finished with sandpaper (See Figure 3). Details such as fins and scoops should be added now. 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 entire car with a fine-grade sandpaper. Give model at least two coats of fast drying paint, in your choice of color. When paint is completely dry sand with a fine sandpaper, apply a final coat of paint and allow to dry thoroughly. To finish, rub 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. (See Figure 4). Make sure wheels turn freely.

 

PRIZE CATEGORIES

Speed:

First Place:

-Name on Union Pinewood Trophy

-1 can of every 2017 special release beer.

-Union T-Shirt of your Choice

-$100 in Union Bucks

-Pat on the Back

Second Place:

-Union T-Shirt of your Choice

-$60 in Union Bucks

-Pat on the Back

Third Place:

-Union T-Shirt of your Choice

-$20 in Union Bucks

-Pat on the Back

 

Style:

First Place:

-Name on Union Pinewood Trophy

-1 can of every 2017 special release beer.

-Union T-Shirt of your Choice

-$100 in Union Bucks

-Pat on the Back

Second Place:

-Union T-Shirt of your Choice

-$60 in Union Bucks

-Pat on the Back

Third Place:

-Union T-Shirt of your Choice

-$20 in Union Bucks

-Pat on the Back