PCEC News
School of Engineering Holds First-Ever Pinewood Derby Competition
November 22, 2019
On Nov. 22, 2019 the GVSU School of Engineering held its first Pinewood Derby competition at the Innovation Design Center. The event was a traditional Pinewood Derby with a Regulation and an Outlaw division.
The Regulation division held to more traditional rules but the students were allowed to modify the wheels and axles from the provided kits of parts which included a block of pinewood. The Outlaw division was much less strict with the only rules being: 1) no remote controls, and 2) the car must not exceed the traditional 5 ounces (142 grams). This allowed for a great deal of creativity and some very fast cars! Many were motorized including some with EDF (Electric Ducted Fans) from the world of radio-controlled jets. These little motorized fans turn at speeds up to 100,000 RPM. Quite a sight on a 5 ounce derby car jetting down the track at a scaled speed of 447 MPH!
Each Division had a class for Students and Faculty/Staff. Industry Sponsors - Kendall Electric, Rockwell Automation, and Fisher Unitech (SolidWorks distributor) provided $1400 in cash prizes for the students.
Winners were: 1st $250, 2nd $125, 3rd $75
Regulation Student – 1st Andrew Mullen, 2nd Noah Verbanic, 3rd Matthew Colvin
Outlaw Student – 1st Ryan Lubbers, 2nd Josh Rousseau, 3rd Dawson Coats
Regulation Faculty/Staff – 1st Prof. Hittepole, 2nd Dr. Pung, 3rd Dr Joo
Outlaw Faculty/Staff – 1st Prof. Stevens, 2nd Chuck Snoap (Kendall Electric)
Regulation Innovative Design Award $250 – Matthew Colvin
Outlaw Innovative Design Award $250 – Jake Pung
Thank you to our generous sponsors for helping make the race such a tremendous success! 75 cars were entered. The event was open to all School of Engineering students, faculty, and staff (and children).