All racers must comply with the following racing specifications:
1. Body: Each racers car must be modeled out of the wooden block issued to them by Pack 497. No other kits or pre-cut race cars may be used.
2. Width: Overall width shall not exceed 2-3/4".
3. Length: Overall length shall not exceed 7".
4. Clearance: The Pack 497 Pinewood Derby track does not allow for much clearance between the bottom of the pinewood block and the base of the wheels. Although weights are permitted to extend slightly below the bottom of the block, doing so could cause the car to “hang up” on the track. Racers who do not recess weights on the underside of the car DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK. No special allowances will be made for cars that get hung up on the track due to poor clearance. Recess bottom weights or add weights elsewhere on the car.
5. Weight: Finished car can not weigh more than 5 ounces. The weight shown on either of the Official Race Scales is final. To increase the car's weight, add wood or metal only.
6. Wheels & Axles: Use only Official Scout Grand Prix wheels and axles. Racers may substitute the black wheels included with the Pack issued kit with colored pinewood derby wheels available in retails stores and hobby shops. The substitute wheels must be manufactured specifically for pinewood derby cars and must dimensions that are essentially identical to the dimensions of the black wheels included in the kit issued by the Pack (horizontal surface of the wheels must be smooth). The Race Committee can, in their sole discretion, disqualify a car whose wheels do not meet this description.
You can polish/sand the axles to remove seams and rough spots. You may lightly sand the wheels to remove the molding seam on the tread. Washers and bushings are prohibited.
It is permissible to re-cut the axle groove on the underside of the car to make sure they are square or to change the wheel base. However, the leading edge of the car’s front wheels may NOT extend beyond the front-most edge of the body and the trailing edge of the wheels may NOT extend beyond the back-most edge of the body.
7. Attachments: Accessories of wood, plastic, metal or paper may be added to the body of the car as long as they are firmly attached. The Race Committee, in its sole discretion, my decide to permanently remove any attachment that is not firmly secured to the body of the car. The racer will be responsible to make any subsequent weight adjustments.
8. Surface Finish: All paints, adhesives and varnishes must be completely dry in order to pass inspection. Any wet or sticky substances on the surface of the car must be dried, removed or permanently covered or the car will not be permitted to race.
9. Numbers: All cars must be numbered with the number issued by the Pack (written in pen on the box by the UPC code). You can number the cars with the stickers provided in the kit, or paint them on.
10. Lubrication: Use dry powdered graphite ONLY. You may not use any other lubricant, especially oils and silicone sprays. No graphite may be applied inside the St. Joseph’s MPR or foyer.
11. Springing: The car shall not ride on any type springs.
12. Details: Details such as steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, or interior detail are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications and they are securely fastened to the car.
13. Attachments: The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices.
14. Inspection: Each car must pass inspection by the Race Committee before it may compete. The Inspectors have the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet specifications by race time.