Every January, Pack 266 celebrates the time-honored tradition of the Pinewood Derby. Boys build cars from kits distributed by the Pack at the Pinewood Derby Workshop, usually held in the Scout House two weeks prior to the Derby. The night before the Derby, cars are weighed, registered, and impounded for the races the next day. It is a long-standing tradition that siblings (sisters most welcome!) and parents also make cars to compete in the semi-pro and pro divisions. Prizes are awarded for the fastest cars in rank (Tiger, Wolf, etc.) and then fastest overall.
In addition to prizes for the best racers, the Pack also gives out design awards. For 2013, the design awards will be given for the following categories:
Best Classic Design (looks like an actual car)
Most Original Design
Most Adorable Design
Most Delicious Design (for a food-related car, i.e. hot dog)
Most Patriotic Design
Best Minimalist Design
Best Bling Design (for the flashiest car)
The Doom Buggy Award (for a scary design)
The Fair Lady Roadster Award (for a girlie car)
The Funniest Dang Car Award
The Beast in Show Award (for animal-related design)
The Euclid Award (for a design revealing the beauty of geometry)
The Scout Spirit Award (for a design reflecting the values of the BSA)
The People's Choice Award (voting will be done at the Derby)
1. Axles, wheels, and body wood shall be as provided in the kit provided at the Pinewood Derby Workshop on January 14th. Wheels and axles may be polished for better movement. Machining or narrowing the wheels beyond simple polishing is not allowed. No axles other than those provided in the kit may be used.
2. The car must have been made for this derby; no previously run cars allowed.
3. Cars that were purchased completed may not be used.
4. The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces. You may add weights, coins or other items to achieve the ideal weight, provided these are glued to the car and do not protrude beyond regulation dimensions.
5. The width of the car shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
6. The length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
7. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
8. The car shall not ride on any kind or type of springs.
9. Any details added must be within length, width, and weight limits.
10. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
11. The Cubmaster or his appointed representative has final say concerning the entry of any car of questionable design.
Race Rules and Guidelines
1. Cars are weighed, registered and impounded the night before the race. Please come to the High Court on Friday, January 27 to register.
2. Put your name somewhere on your car (the underside is best) with a black Sharpie. If it is hard to tell front from back, please label these as well so we do not race your car backwards.
3. Each car will race six times, once in each lane. Your car will NOT be eliminated for losing as you proceed through the races.
4. Any car that begins to fall apart may be removed from the race to prevent it from ruining the chances of an adjacent car.
5. The Cubmaster or an appointed representative will have final say concerning any disputed races.
