Whether you realize it or not, when you're not around, the kids talk
about who did what. (this coming from a former pack leader) Kids
being kids, the ones that didn't do well (but did it themselves) will
have lots of ammunition for those that had DaddyCo make their car.
And they -will- use it. ("Loser, you can't even build a car! Your
Dad had to do it for you!" That's a verbatim quote.) They all know.
The kids are psyched when they win, until later, usually during the
trophy presentation, they get called out. And all those wonderful
lessons you think you imparted are washed out by a few choice words
from an eight-year old.

The winners learn the wonderful life lesson that hey, I won, so who
cares if my dad did it?

Just my 2cents as a former Cubmaster for 15 years of scouting and 3 sons.
I have seen almost every possible cheat tried and have had to remove a
parent from Pack night. I've seen cars that Detroit would have liked to
copy and cars that were blocks of wood right out of the box with the wheels
pushed on. win. I knew that the dads did most of the work and I tried to
insure that at least the boys watched and helped somewhat (paint, sand,
stickers etc.).

It is my observed opinion that to win pinewood derby there are three things
required. (Luck, Smooth wheels, Aligned wheels)

Luck --- The starter setws the car shight on the track
Smooth Wheels ---The wheels are sanded very smooth
and the axles are lubed with just enough
grafite
Aligned Wheels --- The spot that the wheels touch the car body is
pararell to the edge of the wheel

It is the same as bobsledding the smoother you go down the track the faster.

Please remember to have the boys root for thier pack mates as well as them
selfves.


Ken G
Pack 93