Pinewood Derby Rules

From Hopewell District

Race Format

Every racer will race four times, once down each lane. The winners will be determined by the fastest average of the four races using a computer timer.

Each entrant will race against other racers of the same rank (Tiger, Wolf, Bear & Webelos). The top three (3) entrants from each rank will compete for the district championship.

Race Rules

In an attempt to make the Pinewood Derby fair and fun for all Cub Scouts, the following rules will apply for everyone in the district.All cars must pass inspection to qualify for the race.

1. The car must have been made during the current year (the year in which the derby is held).
2. Width - overall width shall not exceed 2.75”.
3. Length - overall length shall not exceed 7”. (Note: check your length—cars out of the box are sometimes over 7” long.)
4. Height - overall height shall not exceed 3.5”.
5. Weight - shall not exceed 5 oz. as determined by the official weigh-in scale.
6. Wheel bearings, washers, bushings and hubcaps are prohibited. (See below for additional wheel information.)
7. The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
8. Only dry lubricant is allowed.
9. No solid axles - only the official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kits with nails for axles can be used. Wheelbase cannot exceed 4.75” enter to center of axle. Distance between wheels must be 1.75”.
10. Wheels can be sanded to remove surface imperfections, but the treads must be left flat. Wheel diameter cannot be less than 1.180”. No significant amount of plastic can be removed inside or outside of wheel. Only the official wheels supplied with the Grand Prix kit are acceptable. Cars with modified wheels will be disqualified.
11. Must have .375” clearance under the car body. Low hanging weights must be moved to another part of the car or recess into the bottom of the car to pass the .375” clearance.
12. Any details added must be within height, length, width, and weight limits.
13. No loose materials of any kind are allowed on the car. If anything falls off during/after a race, it stays off.
14. Upon completion of inspection, cars will be impounded and no further adjustments or lubricating will be permitted.
15. All decisions of race officials are final.
16. Most importantly...have fun!