Geauga YMCA Pinewood Derby Mania

Some of the Participants

Race Cars

A Wonderous Navigator's Cup Challenge

Mr. Brown made the race much easier this year, and the judges thank him. Mr. Brown's sophisticated system included a cesium clock, radio telemetry, and high speed infrared sensors. How does he do it?
As is customary, participants in the Navigator's Cup Challenge (NCC) demonstrated their abilities (?) and proclaimed victory! But wait a minute! It seems that after the race, Mrs. Brown analyzed the memory cache and documented comments from the participants. She has summarized the statistics and offers the facts for public display:

Statistic Number of participants Hours in construction Incomplete attempts Average speed High speed Design iterations by winner Low Speed Average excuses

Kids 83 2.9 0 201 216 1 187 0.0

NCC 8 12.6 1 (the webmaster?) 189 216.4 3 142 0.6

Illustrative Adventure Guide tool:



Illustrative Navigator's Cup Challenge tool:



Some believe the NCC participants will be humbled by the facts.

Navigator's Cup Challenge Champ

Geauga YMCA Pinewood Derby Rules and Regulations--Children

1. The Geauga YMCA Adventure Pinewood Derby is for the Explorers (not for the fathers or moms). Parents should give guidance and minimal assistance when the children are building their cars. Only Explorers should be in line to register their car on Race Day (parents can be nearby if needed).
2. Minimal guidance and assistance means helping is rough shaping (especially use of power tools) in a design chosen by the youngster. Also, helping to see the proper weight is met and helping to set the wheels. Explorers must do the rest: Sanding, Painting, and Decorating!
3. Cars must be build this year and never raced before. They must be built from the original Pinewood Derby Kit Components purchased from the Geauga YMCA office. No substitute axles, wheels, or any other parts may be used.
4. The finished car must comply with the below specifications. Pay particular attention to the six-ounce weight limit. If specifications are not adhered to, chances are the car will not fit on the track. It is strongly suggested that weight adjustments on cars be made at practice sessions.

1. WIDTH: Overall width shall not exceed 2-3/4"
2. LENGTH: Overall length shall not exceed 7-1/2"
3. WEIGHT: Shall not exceed 6 ounces. All items must be secured to the car. The car may be hollowed-out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal only, provided it is securely built into the body. Only heavy cars will be returned for weight adjustments.
4. HEIGHT: Overall height shall not exceed 3"
5. WHEELS: Wheel-bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. NO alterations other than sanding mold line on the wheel surface are allowed. Wheel shapes cannot be altered.
6. SPRINGING: The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
7. AXLE SLOTS: Axle slots may not be altered. Axle pins supplied in the kit must be used with no alterations or substitutions.
8. DETAILS: Details decorative in nature may be added as long as these do not exceed specifications. (The cars need to fit under the bar at the top of the racetrack).
9. ATTACHMENTS: The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices.
10. LUBRICATIONS: Dry powdered graphite only may be used. This must be done prior to weigh-in.
11. GLUE: Glue must be set and dry on day of race.
12. INSPECTION: Each car must pass official inspection before it may compete. Decision of registration official is final.
13. FRONT END OVERHANG: You must use the body that came with the kit. The axle locations cannot be altered. Thus, the car cannot exceed the starting point at the top of the track.
14. These specifications are developed by the Geauga YMCA Base Camp representatives and supersede all others found in the car kits. Participants are encouraged to follow building instructions and hints found with the car kits.

Geauga YMCA Adventure Expedition Navigator's Cup Challenge -- Parents Only Rules and Regulations

1. Explorers can concentrate on building their own car without the “Big Kids” taking over the project.
2. Parents can test their designs beyond the limitations set for the Pinewood Derby.

1. Width: Overall width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches
2. Length: Overall length shall not exceed 7-1/2 inches
3. Weight: Shall not exceed 6 ounces.
4. Height: Overall height shall not exceed 3 inches
5. Construction: Body, wheels and axles from the Pinewood Derby Kits must be used. However, modification of these components is allowed provided the car fits the official track and meets the dimensional requirements. All cars must start from the same vantage point, no protruding past the start line.
6. Lubrications: Any lubricant is allowed provided it does not contaminate the racetrack or interfere with the track's operation.
7. Attachments: The car must be freewheeling. Starting devices or propulsion systems are prohibited.
8. Inspection: Each car must pass official inspection before it may compete. All cars will be under the control of the officials upon acceptance at inspection. Decision of registration official is final.
9. Entry Fee: A $5.00 entry fee is to be paid at the time of registration. All proceeds will be placed back into the Geauga YMCA Adventure Program.