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Pinewood Derby Car Rules & Regulations

The Pinewood Derby is a racing event for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Contestants race wooden model cars made from a pre-packaged kits. Other organizations have created similar races that use other names, as Pinewood Derby is a registered trademark of the BSA. Although some modifications are allowed, the cars must conform to a number of guidelines. Rules for Pinewood Derby events can vary between contests, but most adhere to a similar set of regulations.

Weight
- The cars can weigh no more than 5 ounces. The scale used by the competition officials is considered the official measuring device; alternate measurements of weight will not be considered.
Dimensions
- The length of the car cannot exceed 7 inches, while the width cannot exceed 2 3/4 inches.
Clearance
- Cars must maintain a distance of 1 3/4 inches between each set of wheels, while the undercarriage must have a clearance of 3/8 inches above the ground.
Kit
- All parts in the official kit must be used, including the wheels, axles and body. While these parts may be modified within prescribed limits, they cannot be replaced.
Prohibited Items
- A number of items may not be added to the car. Wheel bearings, washers, springs or bushings are all prohibited, as are magnets and electronic devices. In general, the car should have no moving parts other than the wheels and axles.
Wheel/Axle Modifications
- Wheels may only be sanded down, but cannot be beveled, tapered, thin-sanded, wafered or lathed. In some races, the axles may not be modified in any way except by polishing, while in other races they may be sanded down.
No Loose Material
- All loose material is forbidden, including lead shot. If the car loses any material during the course of the race, the race will be re-run or the car will be disqualified, depending on that contest&'s rules.
No Starting Devices
- The car must be free-wheeling and contain no starting devices or any type of propulsion, such as a motor. The definition of "propulsion device" shall be left to the discretion of the judges.
Lubrication
- Wheels and axles may be lubricated, but cars may not make use of powder, sticky substances, wet paint or wet lubricants.
Participants
- Cars must be raced by their designer. Unless representing a group, the participant must be the sole person responsible for the design and manufacture of the model. Adult supervision is acceptable, but cars may not be sent to third-party facilities for enhancement.
Racing
- During the race, only racers and judges may stand in the racing area. If, during the race, the car jumps its track or swerves into another lane, the race will either be run again or the car will be disqualified.
Inspection
- Judges will inspect each car prior to the race, disqualifying those that do not meet official regulations. All judgments are final. Cars cannot be modified after they have been inspected.

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