PINEWOOD DERBY

PURPOSE OF THE PINEWOOD DERBY:

Not just to win, but to learn.

Sportsmanship and good citizenship is taught by following the derby rules and cheering on friends and den partners as they race against others in the pack.
Personal achievement comes to any boy who picks up a woodworking tool and shapes raw wood into a sleek design. And, by learning woodworking, he prepares himself to more easily serve in the Boy Scouting’s service projects.
Family understanding is enhanced because building a pinewood derby car puts the boy and his mom, dad, or other adult partner into a close and sometimes intense learning experience over, potentially, many hours.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weight of the car?

The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final.

What are the required dimensions?

-The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. -The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches. -The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels. -The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body.

What are the regulations on the wheels?

-The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. -The wheels may not be beveled, cut, or drilled. - You may remove the seam from the wheels. - The axles supplied with the kit must be used. - They maybe polished or lubricated. - Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered teflon “white lube” will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. - Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.

What other modifications are prohibited?

The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices. No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, may be used. Details such as the steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, and interior detail are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications. No Pre-Cut or Pre-Fabricated cars will be allowed. Each car is to be cut from the raw pinewood distributed by the Pack. If a second car is needed (first one broke, sibling needs a car) contact your den leader or the Pinewood Derby Committee Chair.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.
Registration and inspection will be held on Friday before the Pinewood Derby at the Willowfork Fire Department from 6-8 pm. Participants will have an opportunity to fine tune their car after initial inspection. Once final inspection has taken place, the race committee will take custody of the car until race completion. Because time will be limited for track setup and testing, registration and inspection on race day is discouraged. Requests for race day registration and inspection must be scheduled in advance with the Race Chairman.
During the race, cars that leave their assigned lane and interfere with other cars will be disqualified after the second occurrence.
Each participant will race a minimum of three (3) times. The three fast times will advance to the next round. The fastest time in the final Championship round will be the winner.
In the case of failure of the timer then scoring for each heat will be as follows: 1st Place awarded 1 point, 2nd Place awarded 2 points and 3rd Place. Participants with the lowest point total at the end of each round will advance until 3 cars remain. The remaining three (3) cars will have a race off to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place for the pack.