General Rules and Guidelines

These rules were created by the Piedmont  District, additional Pack Rules may be added or used to modify district rules.

The Pinewood Derby is designed to be a learning experience for a boy.  It enables him to design, construct, and detail his car through adult supervision.  The race itself is an opportunity to enrich competition, sportsmanship, and sharing.  In an attempt to enhance these purposes the following rules have been established.

1.      Each boy must be a registered Cub Scout to enter the race.

2.      Cars must be made for this year's derby.

3.      The car must be built using the materials in the official pinewood
derby race kit.  This includes a block of wood, nails (axles), and wheels.

4.      All cars must pass inspection to qualify.

5.      The car must not be higher than 2-3/4 inches from the tabletop. 

6.      Clearance between wheels must be at least 1 3/4 inches.

7.      The overall width of the car shall not be more that 2 ¾ inches.  The
car should have 3/8-inch clearance underneath (from tabletop to bottom of
car).

8.      The length of the car shall not be more than 7 inches.

9.      The weight of the car shall not be more than 5.0 ounces (141.8
grams).

10.  The design of the car must allow for it to be held by the starting
gate, and no part of the car can extend beyond the starting gate.

11.  The car shall not ride on any type of spring.

12.  Distance between axles shall be the same as comes on the kit slots

13.  The axles and wheels furnished with the kit must be used. Wheel
bearings, washers and bushings are not allowed.

14.  Wheels may be lightly sanded to remove any burs or imperfections.
Wheels cannot be reshaped or altered.

(See Cub Scout Grand Prix book pg. 14 & 15)*

15.  The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices.

16.  No oil, grease, or silicone spray may be used on the axles or wheels.  Only powdered graphite is allowed.

17.  Painting and detailing are allowed so long as they are within all rules
and acceptable in the spirit of scouting.

18.  The car will be impounded at the weigh-in and cannot be altered in any way.

19.  After the car is impounded, only race judges and starters may handle it
as designated by the judges.

20.  If a car jumps the track more than twice it may be disqualified.

21.  All decisions of the judges are final.

22.  No cars will be allowed to race with wet paint.

23.  All Cub Scouts will show proper sportsmanship before, during and after the race.   This rule applies to parents as well, over zealous parents may cause the disqualification of their son's car!  Remember, this is the boys' race for the boys to enjoy and have fun; this should be encouraged at all times...

24.  The race will be run based on the number of entries.   Generally, all cars will be run three times in time trials.   The best of the three times will be used in determining the final twelve, who then will run in a elimination race off.   The Top Six places will be awarded trophies.

25.  The Best Decorated (Coolest Car) Trophy will be voted on by the Cub Scouts of the Pack, by secret ballot.   This trophy is awarded to the car that best inspires a boys peers, within the pack.

26.  The Most Unique Car Trophy will be awarded by the Den Leaders.   This trophy is intended to recognize the boy that shows the most creativity in the design and construction of his car.

27.  The Rookie of the Year Trophy will be awarded to the best finishing first year racer who does not win any other trophy.

28.  NO Boy will be eligible to win more than one trophy.   The trophies will be awarded from 'Fastest Racer' down to 'Rookie of the Year' as listed in above items 24 - 27.   Trophies will be awarded at the end of the race. 

29.  The Cubmaster Challenge is for Parents of the Pack ONLY.  No Cub Scouts or Boy Scout Cars...    The rules of the challenge will generally follow the boys rules, HOWEVER, the rules are subject to change the night of the race, once the Cubmaster has had a chance to size up the competition...