What do you for district races? New car or just tune up the pack car?

Deckard

Pinewood Ninja
Jan 28, 2020
39
13
8
US
So my son won his den and is going to districts and there are a few modifications I need/want to make to the current car. My question do you guys make new cars for districts or just tune up and work on making the pack car better and bring that?
 
It depends on the district. Last year, I was told that we were not allowed to build a new car. Read the rules and if you have any question, contact them directly. They're the only one that will be able to give you the correct answer. Make sure that the rules are the same. Our pack race has very different rules from the council race.
 
It depends on the district. Last year, I was told that we were not allowed to build a new car. Read the rules and if you have any question, contact them directly. They're the only one that will be able to give you the correct answer. Make sure that the rules are the same. Our pack race has very different rules from the council race.

Our pack rules were written to be compatible with the district rules. The only difference is that you have to be able to see the axle point or have other proof that you are not using a one piece axle for two wheels. So I have to take off my wheels and axles and drill "viewing holes or one hole in the middle."
 
Our pack rules were written to be compatible with the district rules. The only difference is that you have to be able to see the axle point or have other proof that you are not using a one piece axle for two wheels. So I have to take off my wheels and axles and drill "viewing holes or one hole in the middle."

This is about stupid......the axle heads are all you need to see. This proves you aren't using a one piece axle running thru both wheels.......a one piece axle wouldn't have 2 heads on it lol
 
This is about stupid......the axle heads are all you need to see. This proves you aren't using a one piece axle running thru both wheels.......a one piece axle wouldn't have 2 heads on it lol

Yes it is stupid. Another racer from my pack who went last year said I should drill the holes for them to see so I don't fail inspection.

the rules state:
"Axles must be nail-type (one per wheel). Axles may be polished, grooved or beveled, if
desired. The one-piece axles that come in some kits (e.g. Pinecar) may not be used. Axle
heads must be visible, and may not be obscured by covers."

I would think I should be fine. Thoughts?
 
If I recall correctly, the World Championship event in NYC has a similar rule, nail heads must be visible.

I can't confirm because it seems all event info is gone from the GNYC Council website.

But all it takes is a little hole drilled in the body to expose the tip of the nail.

For districts last year my son ran the same car he ran at the Pack. He built a completely new car for Worlds, but we tested that car against his Pack/District car and it was actually slower, so he went back to the Pack/District car for the World Championships.

I think it all depends on your District. If there is any way you can find out if there are typically a lot of cars entered in Districts, maybe you want to give your scout a better chance and work on the car more. If the car did great at the Pack races and he's up against just a few other cars at District, it might be better to just run with the car as-is and not risk messing up a good thing.
 
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