The Pinewood Derby is one of the highlights of the Cub Scout year. Many of the core values of Cub Scouting are exemplified in preparing for and entering the race.
Please remember that it is the scout's race, not the parents - although scouts will need varying levels of support, they should do as much as is reasonably possible. Every year some cars are entered which clearly were mostly or completely adult-made. This is strongly discouraged, as it does not teach the scout anything, and can instead make them feel inadequate.
Attached, and copied below are the rules for the Pinewood Derby. All cars will be inspected at check in and these rules will be strictly enforced to promote a level playing field and a fair race. There are many 'speed secrets' type books out there, some of which have plans for cars illegal under our rules.
Please pay particular attention to maintaining the original wheelbase, car weight (max 5 ounces), using original wheels and axles, and not having a 'cutout' nose (i.e. one designed to 'straddle' the starting pin).
Cars passing inspection will race in the 'Pinewood Championship' class. Cars disqualified will still race, in the 'Open' Class. Note that for protection of the track, cars over 5 ounces or having liquid lubricant will be completely disqualified and will not race at all.
There will again be a 'Turtle' award, for the slowest car to cross the finish line. Last year's winner was a beautiful pirate ship with sails that stopped about 2 inches over the finish line. Please note that it must cross the line.
There will be a workstation with tools and fast setting glue available for last minute repairs.
Terry Thompson and the Race Committee will send another message as we approach the date (Fri Jan 28) with the schedule for check in, etc.
Here are the BSA Rules for the Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby Car Dimensions :
- Maximum Length x Width: 7 x 2 ¾ inches (including all attachments)
- Maximum Wheel Base (distance between front and back axles): 4 1/2".
- To allow the car to run freely on the track guide strip, the car must have:
-
- 1 ¾” width clearance between the inside wheel edges, front and back.
- 3/8” ground clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.
- Each lane has a starting pin which sticks up from the middle of the lane, and drops away to release the car. To rest evenly with other cars against their starting pins, cars should:
-
- Have a flattened leading edge, parallel with the axles.
- Leading edge should be between 0.5 (½) and 0.75 (¾) inches above the track.
- Cars which “ride-up” on or wrap around the starting pin have an unfair advantage, and may be run backwards, or disqualified, at the judges’ discretion.
- No part of the car may extend beyond the front bumper, which rests against the starting pin.
Wheels:
• Official BSA wheels (colors OK) must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded.
• You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
• If the axles must be moved due to problems with the slots cut in the wood block, the axles must be within 1/4" of the original slots; Note: if you move the front wheels forward 1/4" the rear wheels must be moved forward an equal distance. The maximum 4 ½ inch wheelbase must be maintained.
Axles:
• The axles may be altered, polished and lubricated (with dry lubricant).
• No oils or other liquid lubricant allowed as they melt the wheels and soil the track
Weights and Attachment:
• Maximum weight: 5.0 ounces.
• The official race scale that is used at car check-in is considered final.
• Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements.
• 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 must be passive, i.e. non-moveable, non-magnetic, non-electric, non-sticky, etc
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 freewheeling.
• 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 committee members can touch it.
• If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make a repair
• Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
• The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications.
• If a car leaves the track, runs out of its lane, interferes with another car, loses an axle, etc., the heat will be rerun. If the same car gets into trouble on the second run, the contestant is disqualified and automatically loses that race. If, on the second run, another car is interfered with, the heat will be run a third time, but without the disqualified car.
• Single Trophy per Boy: No boy may win more than one trophy or ribbon. If a scout wins a trophy in the racing event, he will not win a trophy/ribbon for the Den races.
