Every Scout Finishes

[IAE Racing]

In years past at our pack race, it seems as though there was always a few scouts cars which never crossed the finish line. At last years race as a parent watching I decided this was an area that I could "give back"

This year as derby leader I started a program in our pack called "Every Scout Finishes." Between 5Kids and Sondo's pack workshop plans and hosting a workshop. Plus any individual help I can give, my goal is every car will finish during the race. In the event we have any DNF, we'll get the car running before track tear down.

I've also add a Alumni/Legends division. The idea started out as a sponsor race but has changed. Essentially, it is 8-10 retired derby dads and a few boy scouts who have been very successful, with the goal of the scouts having the opportunity to see some intense racing. (A lot of these guys jumped at the idea to try to settle some old scores)

I hope those of you out there still involved with scouts have the opportunity to give back in your own packs. I know some are still trying to win for the first time and if you are, you found the right place to find the best info. If you've been successful, it might be time for you to find a way to "give back".

Thanks for all the help guys,
I'll let you know how it goes.

John

 

[bracketracer]

That's a really cool thing to do John!

 

[Guest]

+1. Way to go.

 

[Resophonic Racing]

One thing I've always done is host an open track time for the Scouts to test and tune their cars before the race. This can be done the day before the race depending on how you run your race. Most every issue can be caught during this time assuming they show up to test their cars. I started doing this after we had a few scouts not make it past the 1/2 way point. It is a terrible thing for them to experience if the car does not make it to the end. Hosting a workshop is an excellent idea...I'm sure your pack will appreciate the effort.

 

[RA Racer]

We do something similar to this with our RA group where we set up the track a week or two before the race and let the boys run the cars. A couple of us leaders will bring some tools and help any of the boys out that have problems with their car and afterwards we will give the parents some advice and tips.

 

[IAE Racing]

How do you keep this organized or so it doesn't turn into a "race or zoo"

 

[Resophonic Racing]

I have a specific set of rules for the open track. this is how I set it up:

1) I have a sign in inspection table just like I will have for the race run by a leader/volunteer

2) I have a leader/volunteer work the start gate

3) the track is roped off and there is only one place to enter and one place to exit.

4) I have a designated work area to make adjustments

Once the scout arrives their car is inspected and cleared for track time. We have a six lane track and I only allow 3 scouts and their parent to enter the track at a time. Each Scout is allowed to run their car three times down the track. After their three runs they exit and go to the work station to make adjustments. Once one leaves the next person on the list enters. Once you make adjustments you can get back in line if you would like more runs. You are only allowed 3 runs at a time. It usually runs pretty smooth and I have the track open for 2 hours. this has worked well with a pack of 40-50 scouts. I usually hang out at the finish line and give the Scouts and Parents pointers on how to improve their car.

 

[IAE Racing]

Thanks Reso!

 

[DerikX Racing]

I really like the Alumni/Legends division. Most of our help at our derby races is the just that, older scouts and the previous successful dads that fell in love with racing and I will be one of them next year so it is good time to start.
We always seem to struggle with the same issue, we have 2 workshops and you can tell who shows up and who doesn’t. My plan for this year was to have some prepped axles and wheels to hopefully help with those cars that are struggling on race day.

 

[bracketracer]

Our pack has a "test & tune night". I found it to be quite a disappointment. They set up the track but NO TIMERS! Then I figured out it was just to make sure the car can make it to the finish line. They only allow two runs total for the night. When you check in you get two tickets, you trade a ticket for a run.

I like Reso's rules better!

 

[Guest]

Maybe you could find a scalper out front that will sell you an extra ticket.

I would probably consider just counterfeiting my own though.

 

[IAE Racing]

Maybe you could find a scalper out front that will sell you an extra ticket.

I would probably consider just counterfeiting my own though.

That funny right there. I don't care who you are.

 

[bracketracer]

Maybe you could find a scalper out front that will sell you an extra ticket.

I would probably consider just counterfeiting my own though.

Heck, I would have done that but with no timer on the track it wouldn't have helped! lol! That was one of the reasons I built my own track. I can go test when I want. Or when I have time. Or when the wife lets me! lol!

 

[W&K Creations]

we set the track up the day/evening before the official race as well. Its always a chore to try to keep the kids away from the track....whether its them trying their cars on half the track or just them running around and playing near it. The barriers do go up once its done but im going to recommend we set up the barrier lines before the track is up and adjust after so at least there is a visual reminder for the boys to stay out....

The last few times perhaps 15 or 20 boys and their families came out to help and test and tune so with those low numbers weve never had to have a formal arrangement....However if that number goes or it starts getting to chaotic ill use some of the ideas ive read here...

It kills me to watch some boys play with their cars like its a PWD demolition duel...rolling them on the ground and hitting each other....falling of tables....while those cars are typically also not made to be fast but for just fun...still...all it takes is one accident and without replacement parts, either there is no car or the car may not make it down the track.....so at least for my den I keep an eye out when I can...once the race is over they can do whatever they want with em!

Some boys bring their whole set of derbyworx tools (im the first to admit I had em all too a few years ago when my son just started....of course now we all know a bit better what to use and what isn't helpful at all)...but some of em or ok enough for those boys that want to do it all themselves and are just having fun while doing it and are not looking to win but to build say the scariest car or the car with the most lego pieces (lol)...

A few parents and boys have asked for help to build a car for speed to try and win or place well and not just look good....but that's not the norm so far....

The track itself has a few things I need to see if I can convince the person in charge to do....there are a couple of places at the joints where there is a alignment issue...small gap or slt edge etc....I think last year they mixed two sections up so that even they fit together the alignment was off and one lane had a definite bump you could hear as a car went down consistently....it was also the slowest lane....

For us this race is in February so still time to plan things out!

WK

 

[Resophonic Racing]

IMHO if you are going to host a test and tune. Let the kids and their parent test and tune. Let them get the car to its fullest potential. Open track without a timer is useless. God forbid a scout has a fast car....LOL. Pinewood Derby is only sport where a scout is not encouraged to DO HIS BEST!

 

[MOFAST]

I don't test/tune our cars in front of anyone anymore. Last year another father and myself before we tested the cars made an agreement that we wouldn't make any changes after we tuned them. The boys did the work and it would stay that way. We'll, my son's car was definitely faster.

They showed up at the race with a different car 2 days later that he wouldn't even let his son look at. The boy could not have been more disinterested in his car. His Dad didn't let him do any of the work. My son lost by the tiniest of margins and I learned my lesson.

I was dumb, I still want to trust people. Oh well, this year son's car will be amazing! Maybe we'll build a slow one for test/tune night shaped like a sucker!/images/boards/smilies/idea.gif

Don't get me wrong I am the PWD chair and I help a lot boys fix their cars. I started test/tune nights and cut night/workshop night.

 

[IAE Racing]

Every Scout Finished. We had a few less boys this year. But every scout finished! Other accomplishments were also made, but EVERY SCOUT FINSISHED. Seeing the face on some of these Weblos (that had never finished before) first finish, then trophy. Priceless. I'd like to thank everyone Here for the great support, and I implore you to help out in your packs to do what is takes to fulfill Mr. Don Murphy's Dream.

 

[sondo007]

Well I can't say much here. I would have to say that most of the cars I saw today were built by the scouts. But you know what, every scout that attended my workshop was either in the top 4 of their den and 2 of the 4 cars for the Pack champion were from my workshop. Also 3 other kids from 3 different packs that I helped out were in the top 3 of their pack races. So I was pretty proud that I could help all those scouts out and their dad's. I'm a competitive guy, I wouldn't be racing here if I wasn't, but helping others has always made me feel better like I'm give something back to my community. Something my father's WWII generation instilled in me. I think that is something we have lost in this society, just stepping up and helping out and not expecting anything but a thank you and appreciation. You all can call me old fashion, but its what I believe. OK That's my rant. Sorry.

 

[TRE]

I love it sondo

 

[IAE Racing]

congrats Brian, looks like it was a good weekend afterall.