2023 UNION PINEWOOD DERBY – Rules & Regs

RACE SCHEDULE:

UNION Hall Opens & Registration begins at NOON.
Races Begin at 2 pm.
Registration Closes at 2:30 pm.
Winners announced at conclusion of all races.

The beers will be flowing and Carroll & Son Fine Foods will be serving food.

To ensure a spot- get your ticket before the event.

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. 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 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 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.

PRIZE CATEGORIES:

SPEED:

First Place:

Name on UNION Pinewood Trophy
1 can of every 2019 special release beer*
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$100 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Second Place:

UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$60 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Third Place:

UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$20 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

STYLE:

First Place:

Name on UNION Pinewood Trophy
1 can of every 2020 special release beer*
UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$100 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Second Place:

UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$60 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

Third Place:

UNION T-Shirt of your Choice
$20 UNION Gift Card
Pat on the Back

If you have won a race category please bring your car to the judges for a race photo and prize. If you do not meet with the judges at the end of the race for proper documentation, you will forfeit your prize, and standing as a winner of the race.

*All beer release prizes must be claimed within 30 days of the beer release date.

DISCLAIMER: UNION is not responsible for any loss or damage which might be sustained by any vehicle on these premises. Vehicles parked and raced here are done so at the owner’s risk.

2023 UNION Pinewood Derby