The Pack uses the commercially available track from “Piantedosi Oars”
Their website is located at https://pinewoodderbytrack.com
5.1 Track Length and Drop
The track shall have a racing surface (starting line to finish line distance) of approximately 48 feet with a drop of approximately 4 feet.
5.2 Track Curve
The track section is flexed, rather than pre-bent into shape. This means the tracks finds its own best curvature, and is not limited to the simple straight line and circular arc segments. The shape is acutally properly referred to as an ‘easement’ or ‘spiral curve’ and it is superior to the constant radius curve found on other tracks
5.3 Lanes
5.3.1 The Packs Pinewood Derby Track has four (4) Lanes.
5.3.2 Each lane will consist of a straight, smooth strip approximately 1-1/2 (1.5) inches, but certainly less than 1-3/4 (1.75) inches wide and approximately 1/4 (0.25) inches, but certainly less than 3/8 (0.375) inches think, centered on a smooth surface no less than 3-1/2 (3.5) inches wide. Each race car shall straddle such a strip during the race.
5.4 Starting Mechanism
5.4.1 The cars start at rest against stainless steel pins protruding through slots in the track. These pins are affixed to a spring loaded aluminum hinge. Tripping a small catch quickly rotates the pins beneath the track and releases the cars.
5.5 Finish Line Sensor Location
5.5.1 The track has electronics called “Finish Line Sensors” that shall be in alignment with the corresponding starting line pin and be approximately centered in its lane.
5.5.2 The primary finish line sensors shall be connected to the computer system that will be managing the race. Placement and times shall be displayed by this system on a screen viewable to all participants.
5.5.3 The Pack uses the “Fast Track Time Model K2” available from Microwizard. http://www.microwizard.com
5.6 Finish Line Judging
5.6.1 Two impartial Finish Line Judges shall be at a station to observe each heat on each track.
5.6.2 Heat finish judging is determined by the finish line sensor, but may be challenged by a rule of the Finish Line Judges.
5.6.3 If the track’s electronic finish line sensors result is challenged by the Finish Line Judges, the race will be re-staged and re-run.
5.7 Finish Line Judge Backup
5.7.1 Finish Line Judges will temporarily excuse themselves if they know that one of the contestants is a child or relative.
5.7.2 Backup Finish Line Judges shall be available in case a judge needs to be excused for any reason.
5.8 Car Brakes
5.8.1 The cars are prevented from running off the end of the track be means of a specially designed braking section. This unit is designed and race-proven to stop the cars while protecting them from damage. The cars slide up a raised rubber grid and are cushioned against a foam barrier.