Meets 7:00 PM Thursdays
Shepherdsville Community Center

When "cars" and "Cub Scouts" are mentioned in the same sentence, one generally thinks about the Pinewood Derby.  But there's another kind of car racing that Cubs find equally fun and exciting; namely, a "Cubannapolis 500."

The concept is very simple.  First, Cubs get a large, clean cardboard box (like the ones that hold paper towels or cereal).  By asking a day or two in advance, most grocery stores can supply all the boxes needed for the entire pack.

Second, the boys spend one (or maybe two) weekly meetings making their human cars.  They cut a hole for their head and two holes for their arms.  They then decorate their car with paint and other cheap materials.  Aluminum pie pans can be used for headlights; paper plates for wheels, etc.  They paint or use markers to draw doors, windshields, and license plates.  Some may even fashion a roof or other "extended" features.  (One scout this year made a two truck complete with a wench!)

Third, you hold a race outdoors on a warm summer evening.  Each "driver" must bring his own "pit crew" consisting of mom, dad, and siblings.  The "race track" is a course marked by traffic cones -- it doesn't have to be oval.  Each "race team" is assigned an area on the outside of the course as their pit area.

The cars race 4 times around the course.  Drivers must make 3 "pit stops" during the race; one on each of the first 3 laps around the course.  During one pit stop they much change the tires (scouts remove their shoes and socks, turn their socks inside out, put their shoes back on and tie them ... to be fair, all scouts must wear shoes with laces ... no sandals or velcro).

During another "pit stop" cubs must get fuel (by drinking an 8-ounce cup of water).  And during the third pit stop they must get their windshield (face) washed by their pit crew.  (Some pit crews have been known to simply dump a bucket of water on their driver!)

The last lap around the course is run without any pit stops.  We allowed the "cars" to complete the three required pit stops in any order to provide teams with an opportunity to "strategize."

In any case, the event was a blast.  All the boys got soaking wet and all the cars went into the dumpster afterward.  The emphasis is clearly on having fun rather than on winning the race.  It was a great summertime pack activity.

Drivers lined up single file waiting to be placed in formation for the start of the race.		Arranged in a honeycomb pattern, drivers are advised to "start your engines!"
And we have a clean start for the race as drivers approach the first turn.		Reilly, a mystery driver in a blue box, and Jelani round the back side of the track.
Where else would older brother change younger brother's socks and shoes?		A tire change pit stop for the Duncan racing team.
Matthew in car number 23.		James, Fireman Steven, and Reilly.
Thomas acknowledges his fans.		Cameron takes on fuel (water) supplied by older brother Jonathan.