Cars are distributed at the December pack meeting (Christmas caroling). If your Scout did not receive a car, contact your den leader or the cubmaster.
CHECK-IN
All cars will be checked in before the derby begins. Cars will NOT be checked in after the event has started. Alternate arrangements can be made in advance if absolutely necessary. Cars will be registered and inspected to ensure they’re race-legal. We will have tools to make spot repairs/mods to non-compliant cars. Cars will be impounded after check-in.
Here are the rules that disqualify most cars:
- overweight
- Only three wheels touching the ground (all four must touch)
- ground clearance (it has to move freely on the track!)
- too long or too tall
After check-in, the scouts don’t handle or modify the cars.
Awards
Cars will be run once in each lane of the tack and times for each run. The average overall time will be used as your race time. Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers.
All attendees will be able to vote on all of the cars for the following superlative awards;
- Best Scout Themed
- Most Patriotic
- Best Design
- Most Wacky and Wild
Cars can only win one superlative category. If a car wins more than one superlative award, a leader will ask a parent what category they would like to be awarded.
Scouts and cars must be present to win.
Official Car Specifications & Rules
If you have any questions, please contact the Cubmaster or Committee Chair.
- MUST use the Official BSA Pinewood Derby kit (will be provided by the Pack)
- Only official BSA/Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby wheels (reading “BSA Pinewood Derby” logo on the outside of wheels) and axles are permitted and MUST be purchased from our local Council.
- Wheel bearings, washer, and bushing are NOT allowed
- The car shall not ride on springs
- Only dry lubricant is permitted and can be added before check-in. It cannot be re-applied during the race.
- Details/ornaments, such as a steering wheel and driver, are permissible if all other specifications are still met.
- The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.
- No electric motors, compressed gas, or fuel-burning propulsion devices.
- Each car must pass inspection, and the owner will be informed of the reason for disqualification and will be given time within the official weigh-in time to make adjustments.
- If you arrive at the last moment and there are issues with your car, and you cannot fix it before the start of the race, unfortunately, you will not be able to qualify for the race. Please come early to avoid this situation.
- After Final approval, cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is dammed in handling or in a race and will be overseen by a leader.
- Axle slots in wood must not be altered or shortened (the axel length cannot be changed), and these must be used to install axles.
- Wheels cannot be altered or reshaped in any way that would change the original dimensions or profile.
- No loose materials of any kind (such as lead shot) are allowed in the car.
- The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by adding material securely built into the body.
- No test runs will be allowed on the track before the actual race.
- Maximum weight of 5 OZ
- Have fun and enjoy the process with your Scout!
Note to the Parents:
Scouts should be able to design, paint, etc., their own Derby Car. Please remember this is for the SCOUTS! In November, there is a race for adults only put on by the Council called the PINTwood Derby, where adults can make their own car. Please let your scout enjoy this experience.