Please Note: 12/13/24 UNION Hall will close @ 4pm. The Duckpin Room will be open from 4-10pm.

2021 UNION PINEWOOD DERBY – Rules & Regs

PINEWOOD DERBY REGISTRATION FORM ->Download

UPDATED RACE SCHEDULE:

  1. Cars must be dropped off between 2/3/2021-2/14/2021 during Dockside Pick hours (Wednesday-Sunday, 12-8PM). 
  2. Registration Forms must be filled out before dropoff. Registration is free.
  3. Please place your car in a gallon Ziploc bag with your filled out registration form before coming to the brewery.
  4. Cars will be weighed and measured by judges on race day. (Due to COVID, we are asking that you ensure your car will meet the below specifications. You will not be able to make changes on the day of registration or on race day.)
  5. Races will be on 2/21/2021 starting at 12PM.
  6. Winners announced at the conclusion of all races.

PINEWOOD DERBY REGISTRATION FORM ->Download

CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

  1. Maximum width – 2-3/4″
  2. Maximum Length – 7”
  3. Maximum weight – Not over 5 Ounces
  4. Minimum width between wheels – 1-3/4″
  5. Minimum bottom clearance (so it does not rub on the track guides) – 3/8″
  6. 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 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. 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 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 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. Make sure wheels turn freely.

PRIZE CATEGORIES:

SPEED:

First Place:

  • 1 can of every 2021 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:

  • 1 can of every 2021 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

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

Cars will be available for pick up starting on Wednesday, 2/24/2021. Cars must be picked up by 3/7/2021.

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.