PACK 1509
PINEWOOD DERBY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Updated January 2026
Q: Cars that are not checked in by the deadline will not be able to race. That seems pretty strict. Why the restriction?
A: Pack 1509 is using software to administer and run the derby. Once the chart is generated and the racing begun, cars cannot be added without invalidating the previous heats run, regenerating a new chart and starting over. Late entrants who miss the check in time will only be able to compete in the Show Division. Please, be on time!
Q: How do I know what number my car is?
A: All scouts have a special unique number issued for their Pinewood Derby car during check-in. The scout can choose any number between 0 -99. That number is used to identify their car when their race heat is scheduled. All cars MUST have their Race Number on their car and it can be easily identified by the Race Team.
Q: How does race day work in practice?
A: There will be two rounds, a Main round and a Pack Finals round.
1) Cubs arrive, check in their cars, and have them inspected. No racer will be allowed to touch their cars after inspection. No proxy entries. No two boys can share the same car.
2) When inspection closes, the racing chart for the Main round is generated.
3) Main round racing begins.
4) Results of each heat are displayed on the computer screen, along with who’s on deck to race. 5) Start time and finish time collection is automated by connecting our timer to the scoring computer. 6) Automated scoring, along with the “on-deck list” will allow us to run heats faster. We’re shooting for one heat per minute.
7) In each heat, cars are ranked 1, 2, 3, & 4, but cumulative round scores are generated based on TOTAL ELAPSED TIME for each car, not the 1, 2, 3, or 4 finish.
8) Once the Main round is over, scores are based on total elapsed time.
9) Winners are announced 1, 2, or 3 for each Den only (No Rank level awards).
10) The top 4 finishers across the pack are selected for a Pack Finals Round.
11) A new chart is generated for the Pack Finals Round. This round has:
a) Each car races in each lane exactly once.
b) Each car faces each opponent 4 times.
c) Each car faces every opponent with perfect lane opposition (if I race you with me in lane 1 and you in lane 3, later I’ll face you with me in lane 3 and you in lane 1).
d) Pack Finals Round racing begins and is run as before.
e) Scores are determined based on total elapsed times.
12) Trophies and awards are presented AT THE END OF THE PINEWOOD DERBY.
Q: The Hobby store at the shopping center sells precut car bodies. Can I use those instead of the block from the kit?
A: No, all cars entered must be constructed from the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit.
Q: My front wheels extend beyond the front of my car. Is this permitted?
A: No, when at the starting gate, the wheels would extend past the starting pin.
Q: My car has a hole in the middle. Can I stage it at the starting line so the starting pin goes up through the center of the car?
A: No, no part of the car may extend beyond the starting pin.
Q: My car was weighed at the XYZ High Precision Laboratory and found to be 4.999995 ounces. At race day inspection, I was told my car was too heavy and that I must reduce its weight before it will be allowed to race. Why can’t I use XYZ High Precision Laboratory’s measurement?
A: Five ounces is as determined by the Official Race Scale. Every effort will be made to assure that Official Race Scale is accurate and that a reliable 5-ounce standard is available to verify the Official Race Scale’s accuracy. The important thing is that everyone races according to the same standard.
Q: Oops! My car is much lighter than 5 ounces. Can I add weight on race day?
A: Yes, provided that the rules are satisfied and the modifications can be made before registration and inspection closes. Of course, after the modifications, the car must still pass inspection.
Q: I heard about a “super slick” lubricant that I want to use on my wheels. Is that allowed? A: Yes, provided it is dry at the time of inspection and racing. Oil and grease are not “dry”. Graphite is dry.
Q: My car has only 5/16” clearance between the bottom of the car and the bottom of the wheels. If my car leaves the track because of a track “high spot”, will a rerun be allowed?
A: Probably not. The car will be determined to be “at fault” because it is not compliant with the rules. Q: My wheels and axles from last year performed really well. Can I use them in this year’s car? A: No, See rule “New Work” under General Rules.
Q: When I set my car on a flat surface, one of the wheels does not touch. Is this okay?
A: Probably. In some instances it can be very difficult to get all four wheels to touch the surface simultaneously. What the Inspector will be looking for on cars that do not have all four wheels touching a flat surface simultaneously are intentional signs of making a car a “three wheeler” such as re-drilled axle holes, purposely canted axles, etc.
Q: Can I enter the Colonial District Pinewood Derby if I didn’t win my division?
A: Yes!! The Colonial Pinewood Derby is open to all Scouts in Pack 1509 to enter. Scouts must adhere to rules for the Colonial Pinewood Derby. Please see rules on NCAC BSA Pinewood Derby Website: https:// www.ncacbsa.org/colonial/upcoming-events
Q: What is the Akela Race?
A: The Akela race is an Open Class Division for Grandparents, Parents, and non-Pack 1509 scout siblings to enter. The Akela race will run similar in format; each car will race each opponent 4 times. Speed wins.
Q: Any other tips?
A: It’s a fair challenge just to build a car that will run to the end of the track without stopping. Be sure your car weighs at least 4.5 ounces.
Your car should roll as straight as possible. The more it bumps against the center strip, the slower it will go. Remind your scout that rolling their car on the ground will affect the alignment of wheels of the car.
PAINT YOUR CARS WELL IN ADVANCE of the race day. This allows the finish to dry thoroughly. Your car will be handled often during the race and fingerprints will be left on tacky paint.
Pack 1509 has established the Pinewood Derby Committee (PDC). The main responsibilities of the PDC are:
● to establish and enforce the Official Pack 1509 Pinewood Derby Rules and Procedures ● to inspect all cars for compliance with the Official Specifications
● to organize and manage the Pinewood Derby event
● to judge the racing
● to enlist the help of others when needed
In addition, the PDC will be called upon to settle any disputes which may arise regarding any aspects of the rules or racing. The decision of the PDC regarding any disputes will be final.
Please be aware of your surroundings when attending this event. We are guests at St. Aidan’s and MUST adhere to any established rules like NO RUNNING or crossing the race area line. We depend on the Church facilities for our continued success as a Pack. Follow the scout law and oath at all times!
Remember, the final rule and helpful hint is to HAVE FUN and ENJOY your Pinewood Derby experience.