FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The [Second] Greatest Spectacle in Racing
Indiana State Museum and Boy Scouts set new track records with tallest, longest and fastest pinewood derby track in history
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 12, 2007) — Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Racers of all ages are invited to participate as the Indiana State Museum, Boy Scouts of America Crossroads of America Council, Ratio Architects, Inc. and F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Inc. try to set records with the tallest, longest, and fastest Pinewood Derby track in history.
The track at the Indiana State Museum will be open to the public Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The track will be more than two stories tall and 125 feet long and will be the tallest, longest and fastest known track in the 55-year history of the Pinewood Derby, according to Boy Scouts of America’s national headquarters. While the winner won’t get to chug a bottle of milk, the five fastest cars of the weekend will receive trophies for having led the pack.
Scouts and non-Scouts are all welcome to compete. Veterans are invited to dust off and bring their derby cars, while rookie drivers will be able to borrow pre-made cars available at the museum. Pinewood Derby car kits will also be available for purchase at the Museum Gift Shop during the event or at any Scout Shop prior to the event. Cars must meet official pinewood derby weight requirements, and all cars will be weighed and inspected before they may race.
Cars must weigh less than 5 ounces, and be 2 ¾ inches wide and 7 inches long. The width between the wheels must measure 1 ¾ inches, and the bottom clearance between the car and the track should be 3/8 inch. Cars must be free-wheeling with no starting devices. They must cross the finish line relying on gravity alone.
The Pinewood Derby is a popular Cub Scout event that involves racing handcrafted – and often uniquely designed – wooden cars down an inclined track. The first Pinewood Derby took place in 1953 and was staged by Cub Scout Pack 280C, Manhattan Beach, Calif. The Pinewood Derby is an annual event for most Cub Scout packs, and more than a million Scouts participate each year.
The Indianapolis event, which is presented in conjunction with the exhibit “SPEED” at the Indiana State Museum, is free for anyone wishing to participate. Admission to the museum and the “SPEED” exhibit is $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 3 – 12. Any Scout in uniform or Scouting shirt will receive the museum group rate for themselves and their families. Group admission is $5.50 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3.50 for children. The museum is located at 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. For more information, call 317.232.1637 or visit indianamuseum.org.
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The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Filled with three floors of galleries telling the story of Indiana as well as fascinating changing exhibits, the museum explores art, science and culture through interactive, hands-on displays and an amazing collection of artifacts.
Boy Scouts of America is a youth development organization designed to prepare young people to make ethical and moral decisions throughout their lifetimes. The goals of Scouting consist of citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Throughout the Boy Scout program, young people are encouraged to advance through ranks by fulfilling requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. To get more information on Scouting, call (317) 925-1900 or 877-925-1900 (toll free) or visit
www.crossroadsbsa.org
.
Media Contacts:
Shelly Grimes
Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator
Boy Scouts of America, Crossroads of America Council
(317) 925-1900 ofc.
(317) 946-6999 cell
sgrimes@crossroadsbsa.org
Michael Burrows
Marketing Coordinator
Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
(317) 233-0450 ofc.
(317) 430-3621 cell
mburrows@dnr.IN.gov