Pinewood Derby Rules - Cub Scouts Pack 26 Savannah, Georgia Wilmington Island

Pinewood Derby Rules

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Ground Rules

  1. Packs may modify these rules to meet the needs of their race, however, competition at the District or Council level requires these rules to be met.
  2. All cars must be made by the Cub Scout with parental help as needed.
  3. The car should be primarily constructed of wood
  4. Commercially available cars or pre-cut kits violate the spirit of the Pinewood Derby and are not permitted.
  5. Cars must have been made for this year’s race. Cars made for previous years’ races are not permitted.
  6. Only Race Officials and Scouts racing will be permitted into the registration and track area. This rule will be strictly enforce
  7. Violation of this rule may result in expulsion of that individual from the arena and could result in disqualification of the Scout from the race.

Race Format

  1. Details of the Council Pinewood Derby will be published prior to the race.
  2. Details of the District Pinewood Derbies will be published prior to the races.
  3. There will be at least three judges at the finish line. Two of the judges must agree on the winner or the heat will be re-run. Electronic ‘judges’ will be the same as three judges present.
  4. If a car suffers a mechanical problem, loses an axle, breaks a wheel, etc. and a repair can be accomplished in a reasonable time (less than 5 minutes), the heat will be run again. If not, the car will automatically lose the heat.
  5. If a car jumps off the track, the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, it will automatically lose the heat.
  6. If a car interferes with another, the heat will be run again. If the car interferes with another a second time, the judges will determine the cause and allow the racer a chance to modify the car to prevent the interference and the heat will be run again. If the car interferes with another for a third time, it will be removed and the heat will be run again without the interfering car. The interfering car will automatically lose the heat.

Size and Shape

  1. Maximum overall width, including wheels & axles, shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
  2. Maximum length shall not exceed 7 inches.
  3. Maximum height shall not exceed 3 inches. Note that height restrictions may vary based on the track.
  4. Minimum width between wheels shall be 1 ¾ inches.
  5. Minimum clearance between bottom of car and track shall be 3/8 inches.
  6. Wheel base (distance between front & rear axles) may be changed as desired
  7. The front most part of the car must be at the center and no more than 1 inch above the track.
  8. Car construction must start with the block of wood supplied in the BSA Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit.
  9. Details such as steering wheel, driver, spoiler, decals, painting and interior details are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications.

Weight

  1. The readings of the Official Race scale will be considered final.
  2. Maximum weight is 5 ounces.
  3. Mercury shall not be used for adding weight. It is a health hazard and may violate state and local laws. Use of mercury will result in expulsion from the arena.
  4. The car may be hollowed out or built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal. All additions must be firmly attached.
  5. Lead may be used to increase weight; however, it should be painted over to minimize exposure to the Scouts.
  6. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car

Wheels and Axles

  1. Only the official Scout Grand Prix wheels axles can be used. If extra wheels are purchased, they must be official Scout Grand Prix Derby wheels identical to those that come with the original kit.
  2. Commercially available pre-turned wheels and axles shall not be used.
  3. Wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are .
  4. The car must be free-wheeling with no starting device or other propulsion.
  5. The car must have 4 wheels and 4 axles but all four wheels do not have to touch the surface. Wheel placement must not cause the car to interfere with others.
  6. Wheels & axles may be smoothed & polished to remove manufacturing defects.
  7. No significant modification to the wheels is allowed.

Lubrication

  1. Only dry powdered lubricants, such as graphite, may be used.
  2. Wet lubricants will not be permitted. Regular oils and silicone sprays soften the plastic wheels.
  3. Cars must be lubricated before inspection and weigh-in. No further lubrication will be permitted.

Appearance and Finish

  1. Cars with wet paint will not be accepted.
  2. Decals and painted designs on the cars should be Cub Scout age appropriate.

Inspection and Disputes

  1. Decisions of the Official Race Committee are final.
  2. Scouts must present their car to the Race Officials for inspection.
  3. Each car must pass inspection by Race Officials before it can compete. After inspection, the car will be isolated until the end of the race.
  4. Once cars have passed inspection, it MAY NOT be modified, including lubrication. Any modification will result in the car having to be re-inspected. Repeated violation of this rule may result in disqualification from the race.
  5. Race Officials have the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet these rules. Car owners will be informed of the violations and given opportunity to modify the car to meet these rules.
  6. Race officials may reject any car that could cause damage to the track.

Attendance and Conduct

  1. Scouts must be present for their car to race.
  2. Ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct will be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area.

Be sure to wear your class A uniform to all pinewood derby races!

* IT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED THAT DURING PACK RACES, ALTERNATES ARE CHOSEN AT THAT TIME*

Good Luck!

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