What Is the History of Pine Derby Cars?
The Pinewood Derby is a cherished childhood memory for many former Cub Scouts, and the tradition lives on today, with new generations of fathers and sons discovering the joys of building their own wooden race cars. The tradition actually dates back to the early 1950's, and it shows no signs of slowing.
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History
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The Pinewood Derby was the brainchild of Don Murphy. In the early 1950's, the Soap Box Derby, which saw kids driving homemade race cars, was all the rage. Unfortunately, Murphy's 10-year-old son was too young to compete. Wanting a way to share in the fun, Murphy thought racing miniature wooden cars would be the perfect substitute.
Murphy introduced the idea to his Cub Scouts in Pack 280C in Manhattan Beach, California. This led to the first ever Pinewood Derby being held at the Manhattan Beach Scout House on May 15, 1953. Fifty-five scouts took part in the first event, competing in three age groups. The Pinewood Derby was an immediate hit and spread across the city thanks to the support of the Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation Department.
The Boy Scout National Office soon heard of the Pinewood Derby's popularity and ran a story describing it in the October 1954 issue of Boys' Life. The article concluded with an offer stating that design plans for cars, tracks, and starting and finish line mechanisms could be purchased for 15 cents. That sparked a national craze. By 1955, the Boy Scouts were selling official Pinewood Derby supply kits.
Rules
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Only official pine wood block can be used in the car's construction. The same plastic wheels and metal axles are supplied to all scouts. Cars can not exceed seven inches long or two-and-three-fourths inches wide. There must be a clearance of at least three-eighths of an inch beneath the car and one-and-three-fourths inches between the wheels. Cars must not exceed five ounces, and weights are checked before each race.
Pinewood Derby race tracks are made of plastic, wood or aluminum. Lengths range anywhere from 30 to 45 feet. Tracks feature two to six lanes depending on the number of total contestants involved in the competition. The top of the track is elevated, creating about a 30-degree slope to the bottom. Cars are placed in a starting gate at the top and then released. Gravity races them to the finish line below.
While strict rules govern size and weight, the car's appearance and design are left entirely to the imagination, with each scout putting his own individual touch on his signature racer.
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Facts
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Today, it's estimated more than 50 million scouts have competed in the Pinewood Derby.
Benefits
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The Pinewood Derby teaches scouts about engineering and physics. It also fosters good sportsmanship and the thrill of competition. Of course, the best benefit is seeing scouts bond with their fathers or guardians during the construction process.
Time Frame
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While an annual event, Pinewood Derbies are held at different times throughout the year depending on the Cub Scout Pack.
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