DerbyWorx Wheel Selection Help?

[Derby Monkey]

Hi Folks:

Can you help me select the best DerbyWorx wheels for the job? I just got our pack's new PWD rules for 2009. The section on wheels is as follows.

3. WHEELS AND AXLES
a. Only the official Scout Grand Prix wheels and axles can be used. Wheels must have "Official B.S.A." stamped on the inside of the wheel rim.
b. Wheels can be sanded to remove surface imperfections, but the surface that touches the track must be left flat and at least 1/4 wide".
c. Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
d. The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
e. The car must be free-wheeling with no starting device or other propulsion.
f. The wheel base location of the car may be adjusted as long as you still meet the maximum length, width, height, and clearance specifications.
g. Hubcaps or similar items used to keep the wheels lubricated are prohibited.
h. Spoke Wheels and/or modified wheels are prohibited.

In your opinion, which would be the fastest legal Derby Worx wheels?

Thanks

[Lucky 13]

There doesn't seem to be any wording that prevents lightening of the wheel. If that is the case, I would go with the DerbyWorx/WarpSpeed Pro Inertia-Lites. They still have the "BSA" wording on the inside !!

If you have concerns about material being removed from the inside of the wheel, then I would go with the DerbyWorx/WarpSpeed Pro-Stocks.


Lucky 13

[Derby Monkey]

Thanks Lucky 13...

I was thinking about the inertia-light. The only thing that somewhat concerned me was the last rule... "h. Spoke Wheels and/or modified wheels are prohibited." They don't really say what they mean by "modified"

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve

[roosclan]

Dec 10, 2008 23:02:00 GMT -6 Derby Monkey said:

Thanks Lucky 13...

I was thinking about the inertia-light. The only thing that somewhat concerned me was the last rule... "h. Spoke Wheels and/or modified wheels are prohibited." They don't really say what they mean by "modified"

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve

In our District, modified would include lightened wheels. In fact, that is specifically prohibited, as is coning the wheel hubs (at least last year it was). If you are RR, then coning the wheel hub would probably be a moot point, but lightening the wheel is definitely "modified."

[Low E. T.]

I would need some clarification on (h), it sounds a little vague.

[Lucky 13]

Dec 10, 2008 23:02:00 GMT -6 Derby Monkey said:

Thanks Lucky 13...

I was thinking about the inertia-light. The only thing that somewhat concerned me was the last rule... "h. Spoke Wheels and/or modified wheels are prohibited." They don't really say what they mean by "modified"

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,
The other guys are right about rule h. I would contact the pinewood derby chairperson or whoever is in charge and get a clear definition of what the rule means and then go from there !!


Lucky 13

[Derby Monkey]

I just caught this... what about rule "b"... "the surface that touches the track must be left flat and at least 1/4 wide"

So, the standard BSA wheel tread width is 1/3 in (0.310") am I right? So, I can decrease the tread width a little. Is that a good idea?

I think contacting the derby chairperson is a good idea. I may be opening a can of worms that really needs to be kept closed... but some clarification is needed.

Here is the risk about asking for permission. The Chairperson says "NO"... so I don't... but then the rule is not enforced at check-in. Other racers may now gain an advantage. If the rules are completely enforced equally then all is OK.

Last year at the district derby, They had a kid checking cars in. He was only performing weight and dimension checks. He inspected nothing more. I guess you never know.

Thanks,
Steve

[birel33]

Steve,

The same thing happens at our local derby. Usually a scout and their mother or two mothers are there at check in. They weigh the car and make sure it fits in the box. Many people try to check stuff in that they know is not allowed. Some are caught some are not as the case was last year were a scout and his father brought in a car that had h treaded wheels. He won his class, but what did he really win as the car was not legal. Everyone knew it too.

My advise is follow the rules after getting in contact with your chair person. You and your son will know you followed the rules and did your best. My son and I have always done well as the local level and are proud of the cars we have built.

I will say that our car building has come to a new level for this year and it would not have been possible without the help of this board and the guys that post here, you know who you are. My son and I are looking forward to this years race and have high hopes.

Steve

[JustaDad]

Dec 11, 2008 8:53:19 GMT -6 Derby Monkey said:

I just caught this... what about rule "b"... "the surface that touches the track must be left flat and at least 1/4 wide"

So, the standard BSA wheel tread width is 1/3 in (0.310") am I right? So, I can decrease the tread width a little. Is that a good idea?

I just looked at my wheels and they are 5/16" so there is some room to go to get down to 1/4". I think you should do this only to the rear wheels and the front wheel that is not touching the track, but only if you are rail-riding. This will prevent the rear wheels from contacting the center guide and slowing the car down. Although, in my mind, this is modifying the wheel in contradiction to rule (h).

Get clarification from the AHJ and follow his ruling. PWD is about teamwork and father son bonding, the race is run for sportsmanship. Take honor in making the best car you can and running an honest race. Everyone wants to win but, this may be a good time to discuss ethics with your son.

Cub Scout Motto "Do Your Best" and Good Luck in the race!

[Derby Monkey]

I will call the chairman for a rule clarification. I will give you an update on what he says.