What is the Pinewood Derby?    

   The Pinewood Derby is designed to encourage sportsmanship, competition and fun for all scouts.  The boys build a wooden car from a kit that your Den Leader has given you.  The car must be built in accordance with BSA Rules (see below).  They are encouraged to do the work themselves with some assistance and guidance from the parents.   The day begins with the official weigh-in and registration at the Race Desk. 

What Happens on Race Day: 

    Boys will submit their cars for weigh-in and if they do not pass the initial weight, there will be a table set up for any adjustments that need to be made.  After the cars are submitted and registered, they are placed on the Official Race Table and they are left there until it is the Scout's time to race.  Each Scout will race his care three times, once on each lane. After he has finished, he will place the car back on the Official Race Table and await the results.   Races will be held according to Ranks in the following order: Tigers, Wolfs, Bears and Webelos. There will be an Outlaw Division for those siblings and adults who wish to make a car and participate.  The official rules do not apply to the Outlaw Division.  Trophies will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with ribbons for those who do not win trophies. 

Official Pinewood Derby BSA Rules

OFFICIAL GRAND PRIX PINEWOOD DERBY KITPlease read these Rules and Instructions before building your car.

The Pinewood Derby is open to all Cub Scouts. Cars should be built by the Cub Scouts with some adult guidance. Any technical assistance should be fully explained to the Cub Scout so that he can use that knowledge on future projects. Because it is difficult to establish how much help was given in building the car, some Packs have a separate Pinewood Derby Race for adults.

IMPORTANT: The Race Committee has decided on these rules.

CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

• Width: - 2-3/4" - Length - 7" - Weight - Not over 5 Ounces
• Width between wheels - 1-3/4"
• Bottom clearance between can and track - 3/8"

RULES
Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. The car shall not ride on springs. Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted. Only dry lubricant is permitted. Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications. The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee (this means if your car passes the weight any where else, and then does not pass at the time of registration, the car does not pass) before it may compete. If, at registration, a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make the adjustment. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS
Check the grooves to ensure that each is at a perfect 90-degree angle to the car body. A car with untrue axles tends to steer to one side or the other, causing it to rub up against the side of the lane strip, slowing it down. You can check the groove angles by using a square, a protractor, or even a piece of paper.   YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE AXLE POSITIONS, ONLY FIX THEM IF THEY ARE NOT 90 DEGREES.  YOU MUST USE THE SLOTS THAT ARE PROVIDED.

PAINTING AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY Apply several coats of sanding sealer; then sand entire car with a fine-grade sandpaper. Give model at least two coats of fast drying paint, in your choice of color. When paint is completely dry sand with a fine sandpaper, apply a final coat of paint and allow to dry thoroughly. TO FINISH, rub entire car with a rubbing compound. Details such as windshield, driver, racing numbers, etc., should be added now. For a super finish apply a coat of auto wax and rub to a high gloss. Pre-lubricate axles and wheels using, dry powdered lubricant. Regular oil or silicone spray, IS NOT ALLOWED. Slide wheels over axles, then gently tap them into the car body grooves with a 1/4" dowel or similar object to within 1/32" of car body. (See Figure 4). Make sure wheels turn freely.