Pinewood Derby

The Pinewood Derby rules below must be followed in order for your car to pass inspection and be allowed to race. Some materials such as weights, paints, and graphite are allowed to be used.

1. The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final.

2. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. Nothing shall extend beyond the car body.

3. The overall width including wheels, wheel fenders and or cosmetics of the car shall not exceed 2-3⁄4 inches.

4. The overall height of the car shall not exceed 4-1⁄2 inches and must clear the finishing gate.

5. The car must have a minimum of 1-3⁄4-inch clearance between the insides of the left and right wheels, to clear the width of the center rail of the track.

6. With the wheels attached, the car must have a minimum of 3/8-inch clearance underneath the entire body of the car to clear the height of the center rail of the track.

7. The wheelbase of the car and axle locations may not be altered from the ones provided in the kit.

8. No part of the car may protrude beyond the track’s starting gate pin.

9. The wood provided in the kit must be used. The block may be shaped anyway that is desired, as long as it fits within the measurements listed above.

10. The wheels must be official BSA wheels like those supplied with the kit. They may be replaced with the colored ones sold at the Scout Shop that are identical to the ones provided in the kit. The outer wheel surface (tread area only) may be LIGHTLY sanded or polished to remove minor surface imperfections such as mold casting burrs. The outer wheel surface may not be reshaped or have a contour changed in any way in an attempt to minimize wheel tread contact or alter aerodynamics.

11. The wheel axles provided in the kit must be used. They may be sanded and or polished. No stainless-steel axles will be permitted. Cars must be freewheeling with no starting and/or acceleration devices. Cars shall not ride on any type of springs. Washers and or bushings of any type are prohibited.

12. No loose material of any kind, such as lead shot, wheel bearings, etc. may be used.

13. Only dry lubricants, such as graphite, may be used on the axles and wheels. (No lubricating oils allowed)

14. The car must have been newly built this year and not from a previous year.

There will be a sibling race (Grade 5 and under). Sibling cars will follow the same rules as the Scouts to qualify to race.

When you arrive on race day, report to the official check in table. The cars will be weighed, measured, and inspected. Once you pass inspection, you will receive your official race number. All cars must pass inspection to qualify for the race. Once the car passes inspection, no more modifications can be made. You may bring tools to make modifications to your car before or during the check-in process to pass inspection.

Scout Awards

Fastest and Best In Show Official Placements

• 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Place - Awards will be given to the top 5 finishing (fastest) Scout Pinewood Derby Cars.

• Best in Show! - Pinewood Derby Car which is all-around well put together including paint, decals, design, and color.

Judged recognition will be given for the top TWO (2) Scout cars built to showcase the following themes: 

• Fan-tastic!  - Pinewood Derby car displaying the best design supporting the Scout’s favorite sports team

• Scout Spirit! - Pinewood Derby car the best embodies the Spirit of Scouting into its design elements (i.e. Oath, Law, Outdoors, Service, etc)

• Pit Stop Perfect! – Pinewood Derby car themed around food or drink

• Spirit of America! - Pinewood Derby car demonstrating strong sense of patriotism

• Level Up! - Pinewood Derby car that highlights the fun of video games

• Out of This World! - Pinewood Derby car designed with the best space-related elements or theme

Additional awards will be given to the following racers based on performance: 

• Rookie of the Year! - Fastest car other than those already in 1st-5th place that is from a family new to Scouting this school year.

• Best Fuel Economy! – Pinewood Derby car that clocks the slowest time in the race.

• Arrow of Light Choice Award - Each Pack 315 Arrow of Light Scout (5th grade) present at the derby will cast a ranked choice ballot for their favorite design. 

The top 5 fastest Scout cars for the Pack, along with our Best In Show winner, will advance to the District Races!

Sibling Awards

1st, 2nd & 3rd Place - Medals will be given to the top 3 finishing (fastest) Sibling Pinewood Derby Cars.

Participation Award

All racers will receive a participation award for meeting the rule specifications and qualifying for the race.