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Race Day (In general)
Begin egistration at least 45 to 60 minutes before the race begins (45
minutes for 30 cars, 60 minutes for 60 cars etc). The Inspection Team will inspect each car and test the weight; absolutely
not over 5 ounces. Be strict about this because if the scout proceeds to the District race, his car may be disqualified if
over weight. The District scales are set by a professional 5 oz weight. No questions asked. One or two scales are appropriate
(Be sure to balance all scales before the weighing begins). Some Packs have a scale before the registration line to pre-check
weight. Be sure to tell parents to add graphite outside the building!
Each car must be identified by a number. A Log Sheet identifying each car's
ID to a corresponding boys name is also prepared at weigh-in. Many Packs place a numbered sticker on the car and also on the
scout so he can easily remember the car number. The MC will need these sheets to run the race. If you have 30 participants
or less, one weigh-in station works best. If you have multiplies of 30, have each inspection and registration station start
on a different column of the sheet. The Hawkins heat is 30 or less boys. If you plan to race your Pack Unit by Rank or Den
separately, use a different column for each rank. (a downloadable Derby log is available at the bottom of this page)
| Impounded Pinewood Derby Cars |
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| Watch Out - Boys like to touch things |
As each car
passes inspection, register the car by placing the scout's first name and second name initial on the sheet. Write boldly the
corrisponding sheet number on two labels, one for the car and one for the boy's shirt. Hand the car to an Impound team member
to place in the Impound. The Impound is usually a covered table that is roped off in some way. No one except a team member
should touch the cars after impounding. And believe me, boys have a natural desire to touch everything! Before each heat,
the MC will call out which groups of Cubs can obtain their cars. Many Packs have volunteers to hand the cars to the boys.
After each heat, the Cubs should return the cars to the Impound.
As the track
is setup, it is a good idea to lay tape about 3 feet around the sides and finish line. The "Hawkins" track can be pre-taped
before the track arrives at 8' wide and 40' long. I usually use colored masking tape or a tape that can be removed easily
after the race. The tape, or other barrier, signals the boys to sit at a reasonable distance from the tract allowing participants
to move freely up and down the sides during the race. Also tape off a portion behind the start line for the cubs to stand
during their particular heat.
Other
Potential Team Members
A Decorations
Team, Refreshments Team, Crowd Control/Cub Escorts, and/or a Cleanup Team are possibilities. What ever works for your
Pack Unit!
A Sample Pinewood Derby Race Agenda
One to two hours before race: -Set up Tables, Decorations, flags and scales
- Have registration sheets (Race Logs) ready
- Tape off a 40' X 8' rectangle for the tract to set in when it arrives
- Inspection team reviews inspection guidelines before weigh-in starts
45 to 60 minutes before race:
- The inspection team begins inspecting cars. Pass qualifying cars to registration
person. If the car passes inspection, proceed with registration
- When a scout’s car is disqualified at the District race, always
inform the parent/scout of the error and allow them to fix the problem at the Pit Table in order to pass inspection. The parent/scout
must go back to the end of the line.
- Registration of car
- Assign the cub/car a number in accordance with the Derby Log.
- Log in boys first name Last initial and Pack number (P85)
- Make two stickers, one for the car and one for the boys shirt pocket
- After car is registered, place car in a holding area (Impound) that boys
cannot reach.
- Assign an adult or Boy Scout to this area.
- Select Judge for Design Trophies - two non-parents
- Designate an assistant Caller (new leader) and one other team member to
hover behind the starting area during the race to assist the Caller in miscellaneous tasks and to help the boys organize during
their heat.
- Choose cubs (preferable to pre-assign this task to a den well before the
derby) that will lead flag opening and scout prayer. I assigned these typical Pack Meeting responsibilities just like I would
a regular Pack Meeting.
15 minutes prior to race:
- Make Pack Announcements for upcoming activities and District functions.
- Sing Derby Songs or other activities.
5 minutes before race begins:
- Congratulate all cubs for their unique creations.
- Everyone is a winner for participating in today’s race and will
receive a ribbon or other.
- Explain to the boys the procedure for racing
- Must stay behind ropes/tape when not racing
- When your car number range is called, go to the Impound table and ask
the attendant for your car. Say please. Handle your car very delicately, don’t touch the wheels or axles.
- Do not test it out on the floor. Wait patiently in the racing block behind
the track marked with tape.
- The race is double elimination, so do not leave until the race is over
2 Minutes Before Race
- Flag Opening Ceremony and scout prayer (be a good sportsman)
- Introduce Master of Ceremonies with a Big Cheer!
- Have assistant Caller ready to assist, also, another inspection team member
to position in the staging area to help the boys get organized and watch over cars so that no scout destroys his car before
it hits the track.
- Master Of Ceremony Takes Over
During transition breaks of the race:
- Make the announcement that design awards will be issued directly following
the race. So do not leave with your car. Briefly explain how it was chosen.
- Introduce the Derby Committee to the crowd (get pictures for your Pack's
web site-newspaper).
- Raffle any give-a-ways periodically.
- Announce Best Design Trophy(s) just before the Winners heat so that you
can check to see if on of your selections is not a finalist.
- Wining boys & parents please stay long enough to get a picture and
complete the Winner sheets
- Ask parent to stay afterward to help with the track removal.
- Toward end of race, move awards table in a position where the crowd can
take pictures.
- Have a member of the team prepare to hand the trophies to the Chairman
just before race ends. Must keep things moving.
At the end of the race:
- Awards Team issues awards. Have a movable table ready to bring trophies
up quickly for presentation.
- The Derby Chairperson presents awards to boys and stands for pictures
after all awarded scouts are grouped.
- While still grouped, be sure to get the names of the top 6 to 10 scouts
for the school newsletter. Be sure to complete the District Registration Form at this time and a copy for Pack records so
that a District Race reminder can be sent one week before the District Race.
- Derby Chairperson asks for parents to volunteer breaking the down the
track and cleanup.
Things you might want to bring list:
Two Scales
Labels for Cars & Boys
Derby Registration Log Sheet
Spare car parts box
Cloth - 3 types (blue, Gray and Flag)
Clips or tape to hold cloth on table
Stand that will display the trophies uniquely
Tape (colored) to outline the track.
Flags, Stands & Poles
Camera, Pencils & Paper
Rulers
Blank Awards Sheet to record winner's names
Posters (Graphite Outside, Do Not Touch, Rules)
Permanent Marker to mark wheels
Masking tape for other things
Tips : You can use an overhead projector to display results to the crowd.
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