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Pinewood Derby (USA) Trivia Quiz

This quiz is designed to quiz you on aspects of one of US Cub Scouting's most popular activities, the Pinewood Derby! We'll cover some history and car specifications in this quiz.

A multiple-choice quiz by captaindebacle. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
captaindebacle

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
266,678

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
532

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The first Pinewood Derby was held in what year? Hint

1953

1960

1945

1972

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Question 2 of 10

2. Where was the first Pinewood Derby race held? Hint

Dresden, Ohio

Omaha, Nebraska

Indianapolis, Indiana

Manhattan Beach, California

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which year did the Pinewood Derby become an officially recognized part of the Cub Scout program? Hint

1963

1958

1955

1962

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Question 4 of 10

4. According to the rules included with the car kit, what is the maximum amount the car may weigh when ready to race? Hint

16 oz.

3 oz.

5 oz.

8 oz.

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Question 5 of 10

5. According to the rules included with the car kit, what is the maximum length of the car? Hint

5 inches

12 inches

10 inches

7 inches

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Question 6 of 10

6. Can you add motors to the Pinewood Derby cars?

Yes

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which of these would not be an acceptable way to add weight to a car? Hint

Attach a tin soldier as a "pilot"

Glue a coin to the top of the car

Insert a tube partially filled with mercury

Hollow out a spot on the body and pour melted lead into it

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Question 8 of 10

8. The minimum length of a Pinewood Derby track is 40 feet.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. A Pinewood Derby track may have more than two lanes.

True

False

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Question 10 of 10

10. 55 Cub Scouts participated in the first Pinewood Derby race in 1953. Fifty years later (in 2003), approximately how many Cub Scouts raced in Pinewood Derbies nationwide? Hint

1,400,000

2,670,000

50,000,000

875,000

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The first Pinewood Derby was held in what year?

Answer: 1953

The first organized Pinewood Derby race was held on May 15, 1953. Since that time, the derby has grown to become the most popular activity in the Cub Scout program.

2. Where was the first Pinewood Derby race held?

Answer: Manhattan Beach, California

55 Cub Scouts from Pack 280C participated in the first Pinewood Derby race in Manhattan Beach, California on May 15, 1953. Cubmaster Don Murphy is credited with developing the idea because his son was too young to participate in Soap Box Derby.

3. Which year did the Pinewood Derby become an officially recognized part of the Cub Scout program?

Answer: 1955

The BSA officially incorporated the Pinewood Derby into the Cub Scout program in 1955. Plans for tracks and car specifications first appeared in the October 1954 issue of "Boys' Life" magazine.

4. According to the rules included with the car kit, what is the maximum amount the car may weigh when ready to race?

Answer: 5 oz.

Each pack may adjust the specifications to suit their individual pack race. Most district, council, and multi-council races use the specifications listed in the kit instructions.

5. According to the rules included with the car kit, what is the maximum length of the car?

Answer: 7 inches

The physical dimensions of the car are as follows: Maximum overall width (including wheels) - 2 � inches; Maximum overall length - 7 inches; Minimum width between wheels - at least 1 � inches; Minimum bottom clearance between car body and track - 3/8 inch.

6. Can you add motors to the Pinewood Derby cars?

Answer: No

Cars are to be free-running, with no motors or mechanical assists of any kind.

7. Which of these would not be an acceptable way to add weight to a car?

Answer: Insert a tube partially filled with mercury

Liquid weights are not permitted.

One year, a scout in our pack made his car with a cockpit and driver. During the race, the driver fell off of the car. It was then we discovered that the driver figure was made from a LIVE .45 caliber pistol round.

8. The minimum length of a Pinewood Derby track is 40 feet.

Answer: False

There is no set minimum length for Pinewood Derby tracks. The track plans listed in the Cub Scout How-To Book do not give a minimum length. Most commercially-made tracks start at 32 feet in length.

9. A Pinewood Derby track may have more than two lanes.

Answer: True

You need at least two lanes, but there is no set number. Our pack has a 4-lane track, and I have seen 3-lane, 6-lane, and even an 8-lane track.

10. 55 Cub Scouts participated in the first Pinewood Derby race in 1953. Fifty years later (in 2003), approximately how many Cub Scouts raced in Pinewood Derbies nationwide?

Answer: 1,400,000

Don Murphy (the original creator of the Pinewood Derby) was on hand in Manhattan Beach for the 50th anniversary race.

Many other organizations (such as the YMCA) hold similar wood car races. There is even a competitive organization called the Woodcar Independent Racing League which holds sanctioned races.

This concludes our look at the Pinewood Derby race. I hope you have found this quiz to be fun and informative.

Source: Author captaindebacle

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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