The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families.
The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Every Cub Scout can design and build their own “grand prix” car to enter in the race. Win or lose, Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Scouts learn craft skills, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life.
Race Day is January 13, 2024!
Details and car number assignments are available on Scoutbook. Follow this link to sign in.
As always, siblings are invited to race too! To ensure a fun and fair race, please use only the official BSA car kit.
https://www.scoutshop.org/
Need some tips and tricks to build your car? Download a Tips and Template guide here.
Official Build Rules
GOAL: Fun with a Purpose!
CUB SCOUT CONSTRUCTION: Safety considerations must be observed at all times and no scout should be asked to do more than is deemed reasonable and safe. The BSA does not condone the use of power tools by any Cub Scout. Parents provide guidance and safety tips, or demonstrate construction methods only. Parents or any other person should only help as necessary when building the car.
KITS: Cars must be constructed from the official BSA CAR KIT supplied by the pack. Please do not substitute wood, wheels, or axles from any other source.
WHEELS: Only the wheels supplied in the BSA Derby Kit may be used. The wheels may not be SHAPED, GROUND, MACHINED OR TOOLED. Rounding of the tread area to minimize wheel surface contact is not allowed. Wheels can be sanded to remove surface imperfections only, but the treads must be left flat. In other words: THE SHAPE OF THE WHEELS MAY NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY. Wheels judged to be in violation of these rules will have to be replaced before car will be allowed to race.
AXLES: The current BSA supplied Derby Kit axles must be used. Polishing to remove small burrs is allowed. No other changes to the axles will be allowed. All axles must be mounted in the wood block axle slot. Lubrication greases may not be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite. All axles not passing inspection must be replaced and then re-inspected before it will be allowed to race. AXLE POINTS MUST BE VISIBLE FOR INSPECTION.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: The front of the car may not contain slots for the purpose of gaining a starting line advantage. The front edge of the car must contact the start line pin while on the starting grid. WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE NOT ROUND THE FRONT END. WE HAD TO RUN SOME CARS BACKWARDS LAST YEAR BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT STAY ON THE STARTING PIN. Both axle grooves in the wood block may ONLY be modified, if the original grooves are not at the right angles to the block centerline. However, the wheelbase must remain within
specifications.
No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car. No bearing, bushing, washers, springs or moving ballast (weight) are permitted. The car bottom must clear the raised lane keeper of the track and should be fully surfaced and free of any voids. Fixed ballast (weight) may be imbedded inside the car body or flush with the
bottom surface. The car must be “free-wheeling” without aid from any starting device of any fashion. Any accessories added to the car must be securely fastened. Nothing can be attached to the car that will hang over the front edge of the car. (That would give it an advantage in reaching the finish line quicker.)
FINAL ASSEMBLY DIMENSIONS
Maximum Length: The overall length shall not exceed 7 inches
Maximum Width: The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 3⁄4 inches
Maximum Height: The overall height shall not exceed 5.0 inches (in order to pass through the finish lane)
Maximum Weight: The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces-as measured on the official Derby scales
Maximum wheelbase: 4-7/16 inches-wheel base is a tech item
Minimum wheelbase: 4-1/18 inches
Minimum car bottom to track surface: The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.
Minimum Width Between Wheels: The car must have 1 3⁄4” clearance between the wheels – this dimension is measured between the wheels along the axle centerline, which will allow the car to clear the track’s raised lane.
PINEWOOD DERBY RACE RULES:
- Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
- 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 repairs with BSA supplied parts.
- The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify, at any time, those cars that do not meet these rules.
- Disqualified cars that are still “track worthy” can compete in the “Outlaw Division” but will not be eligible for regular races.