Track Crew

There a many ways to run a Pinewood Derby, and the size of the Pack and the location of the Derby will determine the number of helpers. The helpers do not have to be Cub Scout leaders. Get as many parents involved as possible. Some of the helpers you will need are:

Registration Table (2 to 3 adults)(1 or 2 tables)

·               Print Car number, Cub's name, and Group, on registration form.  Apply numbered sticker to back of car.  If desired, a card with the car number may be given to the entrant so they will know their car number.  

·               Weigh in car (maximum weight 5 ounces or 141.75 grams).

·               Check car length (7"), width (2 3/4"), underside clearance (3/8"), height (5”) and inspect each car to ensure that they comply with BSA, Council, and/or Pack rules to be qualified for the race.

·               Place a numbered sticker on each car as they register.  Please be consistent placing all numbers either at the front or back top surface of the car, if possible.

·               Transfer car to holding table.

Pit Area (1 Adult)(1 table)

·               May want to have extra weights, wheels and axles for replacement of any that do not meet specifications.

·               Pit Stop Table (1 adult) Graphite cars using dry or powdered graphite. Cover table with newspaper, taped down at the corners. A pie plate can be used to catch excess graphite.

·               Car repair facilities can include an electric drill and bit, hot glue gun, extension cords and three-prong adapters (if required), small hammers and screw drivers, a fine-tooth rasp, emery cloth or fine sandpaper, a knife, hand cleaner and paper towels, and a trash bag or can. A tarp could be used for extra protection of the floor.

·               If possible an extra scale for weight adjustments can be helpful.

Holding Table (2 adults)(2 tables)

·                                       Place cars in staging area according to heat sheet.

·                                       See that cars are not handled

·                                       Organize heats according to computer printout ‘Heat sheet’

·                                       Transfer cars to starting line.

·                                       Receive cars retrieved from finish and place them in proper order in staging area.

Starter (1 to 2 Adults)

·               Receive cars from holding table.

·               Place cars on track according to computer printout ‘Heatsheet’.

·               Make sure cars are the correct numbers, in the correct lane and lined up.

·               After heat is announced, start race and reset starting gate.

Announcer (1 Adult)

·               Announce races according to computer printed ‘Heat sheet’.

·               Other announcements as needed.

Finish line (1 or 2 Adults)

·               Pick up cars after race and return to staging area.

Crowd Control (1 to 2 Adults)

·               Keep spectators back from track as needed.

Additional help (6 to 8 Adults or Older boys)

Set up chairs, tables and other facilities as needed and assist in carrying track and other materials.  After the race, put chairs and tables back and return site to original condition.  Sweep and clean up any graphite that may have spilled.