Pinewood Derby

Dimensions

• Max weight: 5 oz

• Max length: 7”

• Max height: 3”

• Max width: 2-3/4” (2.750") (incl. wheels & axles)

• Min width (front): 1/4" (0.250") (either end can be "front")

• Min width between wheels: 1-3/4” (1.750")

• Min clearance: 3/8" (0.375") (between bottom of car and track)

• Wheelbase: 4-5/16” (4.313") (must use pre-cut slots in wood body) 

Requirements

a. Official BSA parts only

b. Wheels

• Sanding & polishing is authorized as long as modifications do not alter the original shape of the wheel

• Beveling, rounding, cutting, tapering, narrowing, thinning, perforating, or any altering of the shape of the wheels or hubs is prohibited. 

• Ridges on outer edge of wheel must not be tampered with

• Inner wheel cylinder that contacts the axle must not be tampered with

• Wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are prohibited, incl. “wheel covers,” graphite pads, “hub caps,” or any lubricant “well” or “tap”

• Must have 4 wheels, mounted onto axle in the pre cut slots on the body, as specified below

• Colored wheels are authorized as long as they come from authorized BSA PWD kits (such as from the Scout Shop)

c. Axles

• Filing, sanding & polishing are authorized as long as modifications do not alter the original  shape of the axles. 

• Pre-cut slots of the wooden body must be used. Pre-drilling is authorized, but mounting anywhere else on the body is prohibited.

• Glue or putty may be used to hold axles in place

• Beveling, rounding, tapering, thinning or altering the shape of the axles is prohibited. 

• Metal frames and axle supports are prohibited

• Single axles supporting two wheels are prohibited

• Springs or suspension are prohibited

• Canting axles at an angle is authorized, as long as car rides straight enough to stay in its lane 

d. Propulsion

• Gravity is the only authorized force, as car must be free-wheeling

• Motors, rockets, propellers, rubber bands, magnets, springs or starting devices are prohibited

e. Body. Additional materials are allowed under the following conditions:

1. Weights are authorized, as long as overall weight does not exceed5 oz.

2. Cosmetic/aerodynamic details, like paint, stickers, decals, spoiler, sound devices, figurines or interior details, as long as they are fixed firmly to the body and do not move.

3. Wood putty or glue may be used to fix minor details, but may not comprise a majority of the body.

f. Quick Start Front Ends.

• Inverted front ends are prohibited, no part of the car may extend beyond the starting pin.

• Quick start front end must be no more than 1-3/4” from the ground, the width of the car, and at least 1/4" wide in order to trip the sensor at the finish line. 

• Pointed noses are prohibited, as they will not rest against the starting pin properly.

g. Lubrication

• Wet lubricants are prohibited, including oil, grease, spray or liquids

• Powdered lubricant is authorized, including graphite

• Cars must be lubricated BEFORE pre-race inspection, and may NOT be lubricated between racing heats or rounds, or during repairs.