Here is a little background on Conner's Pinewood Derby racing. The white derby car on the
left is kinda like Mississippi State's 2008 football season. Lots of losing! In fact, he came in
dead last with this car in the 2008 pinewood derby. That was his 1st pinewood derby. He did
get a trophy for 3rd most stylish, which is more than I can say for State's offense.
So THIS year, we decided to concentrate less on looks and more on SPEED! The maroon
car on the right is this year's high tech machine. So, the design isn't as sleek, but boy did we
make some engineering improvements! I'm not going to give away all my derby secrets, but
I'll just say that smooth wheels and axles are important as well as wheel alignment and the
location of the center of mass. And it definitely helps to add a little dry graphite lubricant as
well. It's legal. I checked!
So, his car won every race against his fellow cub scouts in Pack 3271 last month and took
1st place. So that earned him a shot at the District races to compete against other pack
winners in the Chattanooga area's "Mountain District". I don't have any pictures of his pack
race, but made sure I brought my camera to the District races to capture any potential glory.
They had a high tech track that determined the speed of the derby cars. There was some
pretty dang good competition! There were several cars, including Conner's, that topped 200
M.P.H. Conner's car is the "Bully Car". It's painted maroon and decorated in MSU Bulldog
stickers of course. Conner's idea. I promise.
left is kinda like Mississippi State's 2008 football season. Lots of losing! In fact, he came in
dead last with this car in the 2008 pinewood derby. That was his 1st pinewood derby. He did
get a trophy for 3rd most stylish, which is more than I can say for State's offense.
So THIS year, we decided to concentrate less on looks and more on SPEED! The maroon
car on the right is this year's high tech machine. So, the design isn't as sleek, but boy did we
make some engineering improvements! I'm not going to give away all my derby secrets, but
I'll just say that smooth wheels and axles are important as well as wheel alignment and the
location of the center of mass. And it definitely helps to add a little dry graphite lubricant as
well. It's legal. I checked!
So, his car won every race against his fellow cub scouts in Pack 3271 last month and took
1st place. So that earned him a shot at the District races to compete against other pack
winners in the Chattanooga area's "Mountain District". I don't have any pictures of his pack
race, but made sure I brought my camera to the District races to capture any potential glory.
They had a high tech track that determined the speed of the derby cars. There was some
pretty dang good competition! There were several cars, including Conner's, that topped 200
M.P.H. Conner's car is the "Bully Car". It's painted maroon and decorated in MSU Bulldog
stickers of course. Conner's idea. I promise.
| PINEWOOD DERBY 2009 |
That's Conner willing his speed machine to
victory in the first heat. His car is in Lane 1
and quickly pulling out ahead for an easy
victory.
This competition only included the Webelos
Scouts. Each scout rank raced against their
fellow scouts first. Then, the fastest cars
raced against each other in the overall district
competition.
victory in the first heat. His car is in Lane 1
and quickly pulling out ahead for an easy
victory.
This competition only included the Webelos
Scouts. Each scout rank raced against their
fellow scouts first. Then, the fastest cars
raced against each other in the overall district
competition.
Whew! A close victory in the 2nd heat. They race
each car 4 times and take the average speed of
each car to determine your standing in the
competition. "Bully" was in Lane 2 this time and
eeked out a victory over that speedy blue car.
each car 4 times and take the average speed of
each car to determine your standing in the
competition. "Bully" was in Lane 2 this time and
eeked out a victory over that speedy blue car.
Again, that little blue car was nipping at
Bully's heels, but Bully, in Lane 3, still
prevailed in a tight one.
Bully's heels, but Bully, in Lane 3, still
prevailed in a tight one.
In the 4th and final heat for the Webelos
competition, Bully shifted into overdrive
near the finish line and sent the little
blue car crying home to mommy! Burn!!
I still haven't perfected my action shots
as you can see by the 4th place car
being left out completely. Heck, you try
snapping a picture of a 215 M.P.H. derby
car racing for the finish line! It ain't easy.
competition, Bully shifted into overdrive
near the finish line and sent the little
blue car crying home to mommy! Burn!!
I still haven't perfected my action shots
as you can see by the 4th place car
being left out completely. Heck, you try
snapping a picture of a 215 M.P.H. derby
car racing for the finish line! It ain't easy.
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