Official BSA Pinewood Derby Rules

It is important to read all rules before planning and building your Pinewood Derby car.  The Pinewood Derby is open to all Cub Scouts. Cars should be built by the Cub Scouts with some adult guidance and supervision. Any technical assistance should be fully explained to the Cub Scout so that he can use that knowledge on future projects. Because it is difficult to establish how much help was given in building the car, some Packs have a separate Pinewood Derby Race for adults. This is usually called the Open Class.

Car Specifications

• Width: – 2-3/4 – Length – 7
• Weight – Not over 5 Ounces
• Width between wheels – 1-3/4
• Bottom clearance between car and track – 3/8

1. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
2. The car shall not ride on springs.
3. Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.
4. Only dry lubricant is permitted.
5. Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications.
6. The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
7. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete. If, at registration, a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make the adjustment. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

Terms & Conditions

T-1. Material

Race cars shall be constructed for this event from the parts contained in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit (referred to below as “The Kit”). Materials from the kit may be supplemented but not replaced (with noted exceptions below). Cars built from material other than the supplied kit will not race. The only movable items on a car shall be the four wheels.

T-2. Weight

Race cars may weigh no more than five (5) ounces (total weight) as determined on the official scales during the pre-race check-in.

T-3. Wheels and Axles

The car shall roll on the official BSA wheels either supplied with the kit or purchased separately from the Scout Shop or ScoutStuff.org. The wheels shall turn about the axle nails either supplied with the kit or purchased separately from the Scout Shop or ScoutStuff.org. The axle nails shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body, and MUST be placed in the original ‘axle grooves’ in the supplied wooden block. It must be obvious to the judges that the grooves from the kit are being used (Do not fully cover the axel grooves or be prepared to uncover and re-cover the grooves in the presence of a judge during the registration process).

T-4. Wheel Treatment

Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) may not result in substantial removal of mass or in reducing the wheel width from the original kit wheels. All of the original “tread marks” on the wheel face must remain intact, i.e. apparent to the inspector. Wheels may not be machined to a beveled condition and the portion of the wheel surface that contacts the track must remain parallel to the axle. ALL four wheels must be installed to remain flat on the track and in contact with the track.

T-5. Unacceptable Construction

The following may NOT be used in conjunction with the wheels or axles: hubcaps, washers, inserts, sleeves, bearings or any such devices that will change the intended configuration of the axle/wheel system. Non BSA wheels and axles will disqualify the car. Axles may be polished to the extent of removing burrs and crimp marks on the axle but not grooved or notched nor coated with an anti friction coating.

T-6. Size

Race cars may be no longer than 7 inches, nor wider than 2-3/4 (2.75) inches, as determined by the official gauges during the Registration and Inspection. Underside clearance of at least 3/8 (0.375) inches and inside wheel to wheel clearance of at least 1-3/4 (1.75) inches is recommended, so that the car will run on the race track. Adequate clearance is the responsibility of the race car builder. The car must be able to rest securely on the starting pins so that no part of the car extends beyond the starting line. The car must also be able to pass under the timing tower, so a 3 inch height maximum is recommended.

T-7. Weights and Attachment

Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements. “Weight” is considered to be any material on the car that is not provided in the kit. All weight must be securely fastened to the car, e.g. by permanent glue, nails or screws, but not by “sticky substances”, e.g. tape, or tack spray. Weights shall be passive, i.e. non-movable, non-magnetic, non-electric, non-sticky, etc.

T-8. Gravity Powered

The race car may not be constructed or treated in such a way that the track’s starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car. (For instance, this provision disqualifies cars with sticky substances on the front of the car or protrusions which may catch on the starting pin.) No other mechanism may be installed that would impart momentum on the car, e.g. motors, rubber bands, or fans.

T-9. Lubricants

Only dry graphite lubricant will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. Lubricants may not foul the track.
Lubrication may only be done prior to Registration and Impound and only at the specified lubrication stations or prior to entering check-in facility.