Pinewood Derby Analysis

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The story of the pinewood derby starts with Don Murphy, Cub Master for Pack 280C in 1953. Don Murphy wanted to create a new father-son Cub Scout activity he could do with his 10 year old son who was too young to race in the Soap Box Derby. Don and several of the Cub Scout Pack Committee members, who were skilled with wood working and electricity, set about building a two lane 31 foot race track complete with a battery powered finish gate made from door bells and switches that would light a red or white light bulb to indicate which car won the heat. Murphy decided the car kit should consist of a 7 3/8 " block of pine wood with small wooden struts that would hold the axles. The "axles" , were nothing more than finish nails. The pinewood car would