Pinewood Derby
Official Race Rules
Pack 242
Car Dimensions:
- The
overall length shall not exceed 7 inches.
- The
overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
- The
car must have 1 ¾ inches clearance between the wheels.
- The
car must have 3/8 inch clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on
the track.
Car Weight:
- The
car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
- The
official race scale shall be considered final.
Wood, Wheels & Axles:
- The
official pine wood block must be used.
The block may be shaped in any way that is desired.
- Official
BSA wheels must be used. The
wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and
imperfections from the wheels.
- The
axles may be polished and lubricated. (BSA axles only)
Car Modifications NOT Allowed:
- Wheel
bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
- The
car must not ride on any type of springs
- No
starting devices. The car must be
free wheeling.
- No
loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used.
Other Pinewood Derby Race Rules:
- Once a
car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only race officials
may touch it.
- If the
car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes
to make repairs.
- Each
car must inspection by the official before it will be allowed to
compete. Any car not meeting rules
will be disqualified.
- No
other lubricants other than dry graphite will be allowed on cars.
- Cub
Scouts will be allowed ONE current car to enter race.
- No
cars may register after the race begins.
- All
cars will be impounded at registration and no work is to be done after
impound.
- If a
car leaves it’s lane, that race will be re-run. If that car leaves it’s lane the second time, that car will
be scored as last place for that heat.
- Races
will be run as “Heat Races” with each car rotating through each lane. 3 points for 1st place, 2
points for 2nd place, 1 point for 3rd place. All other positions will not be awarded
points. The top car from each heat
race will advance to the semi-finals, and the same will apply for the
finals. The cars with the most
points in each den will be the winner for that den. The top car from each den will race for
Pack Overall, under the same format.
- Only
race officials may enter the track area.