Pinewood Derby

The guidelines for the Pinewood Derby Competition shall be as follows:  

(per Ozark Trails Council printed August 2004)

• The Official Grand Prix Kit number 17006 or 7610 shall be used, only this year's car can be used.

• Overall width shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches.

• Weight shall not exceed 5 ox.  No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.  The car may be hollowed out, and then built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal, providing it is securely built into the car body.  The scales on the day of the race are the final authority.

• Wheel Bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.

• Details such as steering wheel, driver and decals are permissible as long as these do not exceed width, length, and weight specifications.

• The car shall not use any kind of springs.

• The car shall be free wheeling with no starting devices.

• Only the wheels and axles that come with the kit are permissible.  Wheels will not be shaped in any way.  This means the wheels must sit flat on the track.  Only the burrs may be sanded off to smooth the wheel.

• Only graphite or official BSA lubricant will be permitted.

• Each car will be inspected by the judges before it may race.  The judges have the right and responsibility to make qualifying decisions.  Once the car has been inspected, it is impounded, and no changes may be made.

• If a car jumps the track, the judges will determine the cause.  If it is the track, it will be repaired; if it is the car, the builder will have five minutes to make repairs, and the race will be re-run.  If the car continues to jump the track, it will be disqualified.

• Boys must be registered Cub Scouts or Webelos at the time of the pack level race and must be registered in the BSA at the time of the District Race.  Thus, Webelos who have graduated to a Scout Troop can still compete.

Check the Web for help:

The Ultimate Pinewood Derby Website

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