PineWood Derby Rules for Pack 12

These are the rules we use for our Cub Scout Pack 12 Pinewood Derby races. Rules differ from pack to pack, but these are fairly standard and help keep things fair and fun for everyone.

All cars will need to pass inspection before the race so please be careful to pay close attention to the rules when building your car.

Our derby is open to all scouts, siblings, parents and grandparents. Only scouts participate in the Trophies with the exception of the "Fastest Siblings Car" award. Moms, Dads and Grandparents compete for bragging rights only :)


Pack 12 PINEWOOD DERBY GENERAL RULES

    • Each boy should build his car with adult supervision. Adults should not build cars while boys watch.
    • Each car should be built new this Scouting season, from new materials. Do not recycle last year’s fast car, best wheels, etc..
    • Only one car per Scout will be allowed to register.
    • Scouts should be in Class A uniform and must be present to compete/win.

Pinewood Derby Car Dimension Rules

    • The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
    • The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
    • The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
    • The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.

Derby Car Weight Rules

    • The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
    • The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.

Other Rules

    • The official pine wood block must be used. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired.
    • Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
    • Only DRY LUBRICATION is allowed (Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered Teflon "white lube" will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. Lubricants may not foul the track. There will be zero wet lubrication allowed, ie: Armour All, Pledge, or any type of silicone or liquid lubricant. If liquid lubricant is found the car will be disqualified and unable to race.)

Inspection and Race Day Rules

    • 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 after check-in or during the race, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make a repair
    • Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
    • The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications.

Unsportsmanlike conduct by any participant or spectator will be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area.