2017 Salem District

Pinewood Derby Rules

The Pinewood Derby is designed to be a learning experience for each Cub Scout.  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.  These rules supersede the rules included in the race kit.

The Salem District Pinewood Derby will follow these rules

The car must be built using the materials in the official Cub Scout pinewood derby race kit.  This includes a block of wood, axles (nails) and wheels.  Only BSA wheels and axles from the kit or BSA replacement kits are permitted.  This includes the new colored BSA wheels.  No aftermarket wheels or axles will be permitted.  Axles that have been grooved or nickel plated are prohibited. The car must use all four wheels and axles.  The use of only three or less wheels is prohibited.

All cars must pass a pre-race inspection before they can compete.

The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.  The car must have a 3/8 inch clearance underneath (from table top to the bottom of the car).  The maximum height of the car shall not exceed 3 ¼ inches.

The length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.

The maximum weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces (141.8 grams).  The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal as long as it is securely built into the car.

The axles must be inserted into the slots provided on the car body.  If the slots are not visible due to paint or putty, the distance between the front and rear axles (wheelbase) must be 4 7/16 inches.

The width of the wheel surface touching the track must not be reduced.  Wafering or rounding of the wheel surface is prohibited.  Wheels may be sanded or polished.  Excessive sanding or polishing that makes the BSA markings on either the exterior or interior of the wheel unreadable, will render the wheel illegal. 

The car must be “free-wheeling” with no starting devices.

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

Painting and detailing are allowed.  Any obscene or derogatory markings or words are prohibitied.

The car will be impounded at the weigh-in and cannot be altered in any way except for damage repair.

After the car is impounded, only race judges, starters and runner may handle it.

The front of the car cannot be shaped in a manner which will allow any part of the car to extend beyond the starting gate / pin. (To prevent this, the bottom edge of the car should not be higher than ½ inch from the track). Cars that cannot start in a forward position will be allowed to race backwards.  If the car cannot be held in either position, it will not be allowed to race.

If a car jumps the track, there will be no heat.  If a car jumps the track three (3) times it will be disqualified.  A heat in which a car fishtails or goes through the finish line without interfering with the other car will be considered a valid heat.

At the race judge’s discretion, and under his/her supervision, a repair time of three (3) minutes will be allowed for repairs on cars damaged while competing. Should the car be called to race during the 3 minute period, the race will be halted until the car is repaired or the 3 minute period has expired.  Should the 3 minutes expire before the repair is completed, repairs may continue, but the car will forfeit any heats while repairs are made.  Missed heats cannot be made up.

All decisions of the judges are final.

Cars will not be allowed to race with wet paint.

Over zealous parents may cause the disqualification of their son’s car!  Please remember this is the boys’ race for the boys to enjoy.

Cars that qualify for a trophy (1st, 2nd, 3rd places) may be required to undergo a post-race inspection.  This includes disassembly of the wheels and axles for inspection.  Any illegal parts found during the post-race inspection will result in the disqualification of the car.  By entering the derby, scout and parents agree to allow the post-race inspection.  Refusal to allow the inspection will result in disqualification of the car.

The best of luck to each and all of you!