Cub Scouts Pack 35 - Paxton, IL Three Amigos
Cub Scouts

Pack 35 Pinewood Derby Rules

Car Construction

All cars must pass inspection to quality for the race. The official race scale and measuring devices shall be considered final. The inspection is as follows:

  1. The car must have been made during the current year.
  2. The width of the car shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
  3. The length of the car shall not exceed 7-3/8 inches.
  4. The bottom of the car should be flat and smooth with no protrusions, and must have 5/16 inch clearance from the bottom of the wheels to the bottom of the car. Bottom clearance between car and track is 3/8inches.
  5. The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces (141.75 grams/.3125 lbs.)
  6. You are to use the pre-cut grooves in the model body for your wheelbase. NO EXTENDING THE WHEELBASES!
  7. You need to use BSA axles, wheels, and body kit.
  8. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
  9. Car shall not ride on any type of springs.
  10. Car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
  11. Wheels may be sanded flat, but not be sanded thin or have angles, grooves, or points. All four wheels must be flat and touching the racing surface. Wheels may not be modified in any other way besides sanding flat. For example: No weights, no additional holes drilled, no hubcaps allowed. Outside of wheel may be painted for looks.
  12. The ONLY type of lubrication that is allowed will be dry powered graphite. Oils and sprays are prohibited.
Wheel Profile

Race Day
  1. Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered teflon "white lube" will be allowed for lubricating the wheels.
  2. A lubrication station will be available at the race site and lubrication will be allowed only before weigh-in.
  3. Once a car is weighed-in it shall be turned over to the inspection committee and no further modifications or lubrication will be allowed.
  4. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
  5. If a car does not meet the construction rules above, it must either be fixed prior to racing or will be disqualified and will not be eligible for any prizes.
  6. If, during a race, a car leaves the track for any reason, the race shall be rerun.
  7. All disputes will be decided by the official Pack 35 Pinewood Derby Committee

If you have any questions about these rules, please contact the Cubmaster.
How Much Help Should the Adult Provide?

The focus of the Pinewood derby is not on winning, so adult partners should not build the entire car themselves while the scout plays video games. Conversely, the adult partner should not just show the scout the workshop entrance and walk away. Rather, the scout and adult partner should build the car together with the adult partner providing help with power tools and directing the scout through each phase of car construction. Remember, safety first and have fun!

Questions, comments, or suggestions? Please contact the Cubmaster