Please read all these rules completely, since failure to comply with all rules will result in disqualification, as judged by the Pack 662 Race Committee.  These rules are the official Cub Scout (BSA) Pinewood Derby Rules, and have been adopted by our Pack so that winners may advance to District championships.

The SCOUT should at least design, sand and paint the car. Remember that winning a race is secondary to having fun with your son building his car. This is a Scout / Parent project. The parent may help ONLY with: Shaping the car, especially where power tools are used; placing the wheels on the car; and attaching lead weights to the car. Cars constructed for previous competitions may not be reused for this year's competition except in the Open Category competition.

The official car kit was distributed to each registered Cub Scout by the Pack through the den leaders. This kit, or a replacement kit of the exact same kind, must be used. No pre-cut kits from craft stores are allowed.

MATERIALS: Only "Cub Scout Derby -- Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kits" (#17006) may be used. Each registered Cub Scout will receive one car kit from their den leader. If a mistake is made and a replacement kit is needed, additional kits may be purchased at the Scout Shop. Materials from the kit may be supplemented but not replaced (i.e. addition of decals, weights, exhaust pipes, drivers, etc.)

AXLES: The axle nails shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body. At a minimum, the pointed end of each official axle-nail must be visible to the judges. If the end of the axle is covered with weights or glue, filled with putty, painted, or otherwise not clearly visible it will not be accepted, and will not be allowed to race. Use clear cement if you feel the need to cover the entire axle with glue, as long as the axle-nail tip remains visible. One piece axles (e.g. Pinecar axle kits) and machined pins (e.g. AWNA kit axles) are not allowed.

WHEELS: Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) may not result in substantial removal of mass or in reducing the tread width (track contact) from the original kit wheels. Wheel tread surface must be cylindrical. The words “BSA Pinewood Derby” on the wheel face shall remain intact and clearly visible to the inspector. Some of the original “tread marks” on the wheel face must be intact (apparent to the inspector). The wheels must specifically ride flat on the track, and may not be beveled to ride on a narrow ridge or tilted to ride on an edge. All wheels are not required to touch the track surface.

CONSTRUCTION: Cars constructed for previous competitions may not be reused for this year's competition except in the Open Category competition.

• CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Wheelbase: approximately 4-3/8 inches (113 mm). The original kit axle slot distance must be used; the distance from the front wheel axle to the rear wheel axle CANNOT BE SHORTENED OR LENGTHENED. Use of axle slots is not required

  • Wheel distance: approximately 1.75 inches between wheels.

  • Overall width: not exceeding 2.75 inches.

  • Overall length: not exceeding 7 inches.

  • Overall height: not exceeding 3 inches (to pass beneath electronic timers).

  • Chassis clearance: 3/8-inch minimum. DO NOT ADD WEIGHTS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR without chiseling a recessed area for the weights to fit into.

  • Weight: not exceeding 5 ounces.
    

• WEIGHTS AND ATTACHMENTS: No loose materials of any kind are allowed on the car. Decorations and/or add-ons are allowed, provided they are firmly attached, do not provide any motive force to the car, and do not make the car exceed the maximum dimensions allowed. Cars with wet paint will not be accepted.

• UNACCEPTABLE CONSTRUCTION: The following may NOT be used in conjunction with the wheels or axles: bearings, washers, bushings, hubcaps, inserts, or sleeves. Materials that would pose a hazard (e.g. mercury) with exception of lead weights are prohibited.

• GRAVITY POWERED: The car shall not ride on any springs or suspension system, and it must be free wheeling. The race car may not be constructed or treated in such a way that the track’s starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car (e.g. sticky substances on the front of the car and protrusions which may catch on the starting pin.)

• LUBRICATION: Upon check-in, lubricants must not be dripping, falling our or otherwise be messy. Any excess lubrication is to be wiped off prior to check-in, so as not to foul the track. Once a car is checked in it is NOT to be re-lubed.

• FRONT OF CAR: Cars must have a designated front and rear. If the car’s front and rear are not obvious, then prior to any races, the Scout must designate and MARK ON THE CAR which end is the front and which end is the rear.

• CAR STAGING: No part of the car may protrude beyond or over the leading (uphill) edge of the starting pin. The uphill edge of the starting pin is the starting line, and no part of the car may be over the plane of the starting line prior to the start of the race.
• CAR REPAIR: If a car experiences breakage during a race, the Scout and his adult partner may be allowed a quick repair of the car to enable the Scout’s continued participation.

Tips for a Faster Car

These are suggestions only, not race requirements.

1. The car should be as close to 5 oz. as possible. The car then has the highest potential energy.

2. Locate the center of gravity in the top and rear of the car. The car will have more potential energy than a car with weight in the front, and hence more "push".

3. Reduce friction in the wheels. Polishing the axle can reduce the friction of the wheel on the axle.

4. Raise one of the front wheels ("lazy wheel"). If one of the wheels is raised, the drag of the wheel is eliminated. Adjust steering after the wheel is raised. Remember to maintain proper height over the track or the car may drag.

5. Make sure wheels are straight to minimize rubbing with the guide strip on the track.

Awards

Awards are given to the top three fastest cars in each rank (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos). Other awards include recognition of best designs by rank and fastest car in the pack.

District Pinewood Derby Eligibility:

 The top two racers in each rank qualify for the District Pinewood Derby (date TBD, usually April) and the pack pays your entrance fee!. Here’s a chance for the top finishers to race their cars again at the District meet!

count!