Pinewood Derby Rules and Regulations

The purpose of the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is for Scouts to develop teamwork, learn new skills, exercise creativity, build sportsmanship, share responsibility, embrace STEM learning, and more.

For the 2025 season, cars will be built mainly at home.  Scouts can, as an option, have the pine blocks cut by a volunteer of the Pack.  If parents choose this option, use the provided templates and samples to create the design and turn in to your den leader for cutting by your first den meeting of February.  All other work is to be performed by the Scout and the Scout’s Akela at home.  All scouts are to bring their completed cars to the February 20, 2025, pack meeting for final weigh in, numbering and turn over.  Completed cars will be held in security until the day of the race.  This will ensure all cars are ready in time for the race and if any scout cannot attend, their cars will still race.

Below are the rules that are to be followed to permit Scout safety, consistency for all racers as well as allowing each car to fit on our track:

Car Build

1. The original block of wood and axles supplied in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby KIt must be used.  Only wood and nails that come in the kit are allowed.  The wheels must be BSA Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby.  The wheelbase may be stretched or shortened.  The slots in the block ofo wood are not required to be used.  No part of the wheel may extend past the block of wood in the front or back.

2. Maximum car dimensions:

    The car width shall not exceed 2.75 inches including the wheels.

    The car length shall not exceed 7.00 inches (the original length of the block of wood).

    The car height shall not exceed 5.00 inches.

3. Nose design may not be smaller than ½ inch in width and must be centered.

4. The weight of the car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces (141.75 grams).

5. Movable weights are prohibited; all weights must be secured to the body of the racecar.

6. No washers, bushings, springs or ball bearings will be permitted on the wheels or axles.

7. Provided wheels may be sanded flat, BSA logo and other graphics around the permitter of the wheel must remain intact. Rounded threads or “V” threads will not be permitted.

8. Four (4) wheels do not need to make full contact on the track at the same time. However, all Four (4) wheels must be used on the car:  Two (2) in the front & two (2) in the rear.

9. All attachments to the car must be permanently attached.

10. Cars may be lubricated prior to registration using graphite on the axles & wheels.

11. The car must be new each year. Cars raced in previous years are only allowed in the Open Race.

Race Day

1. Cars will be secured from the prior pack meeting and delivered to the event by track officials.  The cars will be placed in the pit area near the track.  Cars are to be handled by track officials and stewards, only. 

2. If during a race, a car ‘jumps the track’, the race will be re-run. A car that ‘jumps the track’ three (3) times will be eliminated.

3. Cars that develop obvious defects such as loose wheels, may be repaired, re-weighed, and re-run. One (1) repair is allowed in the interest of fairness and time but must be repaired by the Scout and their Akela together with the supervision of a track official. After the repairs are made, the car must be re-inspected for size, weight, wheel spacing and conformance with the rules as previously indicated.

4. No car may be removed from the race area until all racing is complete.   

5. All cars must meet all specifications. Inspectors have the right to disqualify any car that does not meet all specifications.

THE DECISION OF THE TRACK OFFICIALS IS FINAL

All Cub Scouts are expected to be in their uniform while at the race.  

It is expected that everyone (adults included) conduct themselves in a Scout-like fashion. 

This is a fun Scouting event that will create memories for a lifetime!