Pinewood Derby Tips

Pack 131 Pinewood Derby Tips - These tips will help you build a great Pinewood Derby car!

Pinewood Derby Rules

Download the full Pack 131 Pinewood Derby Rules. The specifications below will be strictly adhered to for the Pinewood Derby. These rules supersede the rules that were provided in the Pinewood Derby kit. These rules apply for both the Scout Race and Siblings Race. A summary of the rules is here:

1. Cars are to be made from the Official SA Pinewood Derby Kit. Replacement kits are available from the pack or at the Scout Shop and pre-cut kits are available at local stores. Pre-made cars from third parties are not allowed.
2. Minimum ground clearance must be 3/8 inch as measured between the car and the track. Weights may need to be recessed into the body to maintain this clearance.
3. The length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
4. The width of the car shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches. Minimum width between wheels shall not be less than 1-3/4 inches. Car body can be narrower than 1-3/4 inches, but the wheels must be a minimum of 1-3/4 inches wide so the car will straddle the track.
5. The height of the car should not exceed 4.5 inches.
6. The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces. No magnets, loose or liquid materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight provided the weight is securely built into the body.
7. Wheels, axels, and any other parts that are not strictly decorative must be official SA parts.
8. All 4 wheels must make full contact with the track. All four wheels must rotate, as the car is pushed from the behind and the front. Wheels may not be altered.
9. Graphite or other dry type lubricants will be the only lubricants allowed. No other types will be permitted. Lubrication must be done prior to official inspection only.
10. Each car must pass inspection by the Official Inspectors before it may compete. The Inspectors have the right to disqualify cars which do not meet these specifications
11. No handling of car after car receives official inspection approval.
12. It is intended that the cars that win in the Pack race are the cars that will run in the District Race.
13. Judges determinations as to race winners are final.

Pinewood Derby Outlaw Race

Each year we also have an Outlaw Race. There are only three rules in an Outlaw Race. Anything else is legal! Additional pinewood derby cars will be available for purchase for the Outlaw and Siblings Races.

1. The car may not damage the track or present a hazard to spectators. No liquids, fire, blades or other dangerous or damaging materials may be used.
2. The car must fit on the track. The minimum width between the wheels must be between 1-3/4 inches and 2-3/4 inches. The overall length, width, height, and weight of the vehicle can exceed the standard dimensions as long as the vehicle can fit on the track.
3. The wheels may not be powered. You may have an electric motor on the vehicle to power other features, and there can be other ways of propelling the car down the track, however the wheels must spin freely.