Official Rules for the Pinewood Derby

 

General Rules

The championship is to be determined on the basis of the least time, cumulative racing.

No Numbers on the Car. Do not use the numbers from the kit. You may paint a number on your car if you like. Also please put your name on the bottom of the car.

Only official BSA Pinewood Derby kit and rules with parts supplied by the official kit may be used - paint, cement, glue, trim and lubricant may be used. The only wheel and axle lubricant is dry, powdered graphite (spray on oils or silicones may soften the plastic wheels). No hubcaps with lubricant in them allowed. No movable weights (i.e.; BBÕs, mercury, etc.).

 

Pinewood Derby Car Dimensions

The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.

The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches.

The car must have 1 3/4 clearance between the wheels.

The car must have 3/8 clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.

 

Derby Car Weight

The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.

The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.

 

Wood, Wheels and Axles

The official pine wood block must be used. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired.

Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.

The axles may be altered, polished and lubricated.

 

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.