The Pinewood Derby

The pinewood derby is a racing event for unpowered, unmanned miniature cars. Pinewood derbies are often run by Packs of the Cub Scouts program of Boy Scouts of America. With the help of adults, Scouts build their own cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles. With the popularity of the pinewood derby, other organizations have developed similar events, and a small industry has developed to provide organizer equipment (e.g. tracks, timers, and scales) and awards (e.g. trophies and ribbons).

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The Car

CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

• Width — 2 3/4″
• Length — 7″
• Weight — Not over 5 ounces
• Width between wheels — 1 3/4″
• Bottom clearance between car and track — 3/8″

The Rules

RULES:

• Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.
• The car shall not ride on springs.
• Only official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels and axles are permitted.
• Only dry lubricant is permitted.
• Details, such as steering wheel and driver are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width and weight specifications.
• The care must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
• Each car must pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make adjustment.
• After final approval, cars will not be reinspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.