National Capital Area Council > Potomac > Pinewood Derby Car Regulations

Pinewood Derby Car Regulations

The 2021 Potomac District PWD Race will be run on an aluminum track with four lanes and electronic timing.  Each car will run four times against den-level competitors.  Each car will run on each of the four lanes.  The three fastest average times in each of the den-level races will be recognized with a trophy for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the respective den-level.  Also, the three fastest average times across all the den-level races will be used to determine the Overall District awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

RACE ELIGIBILITY   

  1. Each pack is allowed to enter six cars for the Speed competition. The pack will determine the criteria for selection of their entries. Packs that were able to run their Pack’s derby in early 2021 may want to enter their den-level winners, however, there is no set qualifications this year for which six Speed competition cars your pack may enter.

  2. Each pack may also send one car for the “Appearance” Competition — Awards will be given for: Best In Show, Judge’s Favorite, Most Creative, Most Humorous & Most Futuristic. The pack will determine the criteria for selection of their entry.

  3. Each car must pass inspection and weigh-in before it can compete. The Check-In Inspection Team has the right to disqualify cars that do not meet these rules. Pack drop-off representatives will be informed of any disqualified cars prior to the start of the race.

  4. Repairs will not be possible at check-in so please try to ensure cars are compliant before drop-off.  Disqualified cars will still race, but will be relegated to the “Outlaw” section and will not qualify for a speed award, but my qualify for an “appearance” award.

  5. By registering online, the unit leader acknowledges that his/her Pack’s cars meet these rules to the best of his or her knowledge.

  DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION 

In addition to standard maximum and minimum car dimensions diagramed in these rules, two additional dimensions are established for this race due to the design of the track:   

  • Vertical clearance below the electronic Finish Line timer is only 6 inches; cars that compete for speed must be 6 inches or less in height;
  • The aluminum track starting pins extend 2 inches above the surface of the track. No part of the car may protrude forward beyond the starting pin.

Length, Width, and Clearance   

  1. Maximum overall width including wheels and axles = 2¾ inches.

  2. Maximum overall height = 6 inches (not shown in the diagram).

  3. Minimum width between wheels = 1¾ inches.

  4. Minimum clearance between bottom of the car and track = 3/8 inch. If you put weights under your car, recess them into a hole in the underside of the car’s body.

  5. Maximum car length = 7 inches. This measurement includes any decorations added to the car such as wings, spoilers, bumpers, exhaust pipes, etc.

  6. Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) must not be more than 4½ inches.

  7. Commercially precut Pinewood Derby car kits may be used if they meet the above specifications. Only official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby wheels and axles may be used. The solid metal axles (one axle for two wheels), wheels and end caps found in some commercial kits may not be used.

Weight and Appearance   

  1. Weight ≤ 5.00 ounces. The car may be hollowed out and built to the maximum weight by the addition of wood, metal, plastic, paint, or decals only, provided each is built into or securely affixed to the body.  

  2. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.

  3. Details and additions such as steering wheel, driver, spoiler, and decals are permitted as long as they do not cause the car to exceed the specifications identified above.

  4. Cars with wet paint or glue will not be accepted at inspection/weigh-in.

  5. Mercury shall not be used in adding weight to the car.

Wheels, Axles, and Lubrication

  1. Wheels – Only the wheels and axles provided with an official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Car Kit can be used. Official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby wheels and axles that are sold separately (i.e. colored wheels) may also be used. If official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Wheels and Axles are included in a precut car kit, they may also be used.  The car may not be sent to third-party facilities for tuning or other performance enhancements.

  2. Four wheels must be used, one per axle – no more, no less. Not all four wheels need to touch the track.

  3. Axles on the car may be polished. However, using pre-polished or pre-grooved axles from a third-party facility is prohibited.  The car may not ride on springs.

  4. Mold projections on wheel tread – Mold projections on a wheel’s tread may be removed, but the wheel should not be otherwise shaved, shaped or narrowed.

  5. Wheel bearings, washers and bushings, etc. prohibited – Use of bearings, bushings, washers, or the like between the wheel and car body are prohibited. Wheels must come in direct contact with the car body.

  6. Wheel rim coverings are prohibited – A covering placed on a wheel rim that might hold graphite or lubricant around a nail axle head is not permitted.

  7. No mechanical propulsion – The car must be freewheeling with no starting assistance, springs, or other methods of propulsion. No magnets are permitted anywhere on the car.

  8. Only dry lubricants, such as graphite, molybdenum (moly), or tungsten disulfide (WS2) powder may be used. Liquid lubricants, such as Krytox lubricant, oils, and silicone sprays are prohibited.

  9. Wheel alterations prohibited – use of any type of beveled, tapered, thin sanded, wafered or lathe-turned wheels is prohibited.  Any attempt to reduce the running surface of the wheel will disqualify the car.  

INSPECTION  

  1. Each car must be registered, numbered, and pass inspection and weigh-in before it can compete in the Derby.

  2. The Inspection Team, appointed by the Chair, may disqualify those cars that do not meet the 2020 Potomac District Pinewood Derby Rules.

  3. Once a car is inspected and registered, only Derby Committee officials will handle the car. Cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.
  4. Be sure to lubricate the axles and make any last-minute repairs before the car is presented for Registration and Inspection.

RACING RULES   

  1. Cars must be made for the current 2020 Pinewood Derby season. Derby cars or axles and wheels from cars raced in prior year competitions are not permitted.   NO REPEATS or REPAINTS.

  2. Each car will participate in four heats, running once in each of the four track lanes.

  3. The average time to complete the four heats will determine the fastest cars in each den-level and the overall district.

  4. The following rules apply:

    •  If a car comes off the track during a heat, a “No Race” will be declared and the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, that car’s time for that heat will default to 9999 seconds.

    •  If a car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, a “No Race” will be declared and the heat will be run again. If the same car leaves its lane a second time and/or interferes with another car, the interfering car will be removed from the heat and assigned a time of 9999 seconds for the heat.

    •  If a car suffers a major mechanical problem, a “No Race” will be declared and race officials will attempt to repair the car within 5 minutes. If the car is still unable to compete, the damaged car will be assigned a time of 9999 seconds for the heat and any remaining heats.

    •  If a car or cars do not make it to the Finish Line, the car(s) will be assigned a time of 9999 seconds for the heat.

DISQUALIFICATION

  1. The Scout owner of a noncompliant or disqualified car will receive a participation patch. Their car will still race but will be relegated to the “Outlaw” section and will not qualify for a speed award, but my qualify for an “appearance” award.

  2. Decisions of the Judges during all heats and races are final.

AWARDS   

  1. Five Appearance (non-racing) Awards will be presented; one each for Best In Show, Judge’s Favorite, Most Unusual, Most Humorous and Most Colorful.

  2. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be presented to the Scouts with cars that finish with the fastest average times (average of the four heats) in their den-level.

  3. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall district trophies will be presented to the Scouts with cars that finish with the 3 fastest average times in the entire Derby.

  4. Scouts who do not receive a competitive award will receive a Participation Patch.

  

Questions concerning these rules or the Potomac District Pinewood Derby race,
may be addressed to the Potomac District Chair, Ken Sprinkle at kens@infoservinc.com.

The 2021 Potomac District PWD Race will be run on an aluminum track with four lanes and electronic timing.  Each car will run four times against den-level competitors.  Each car will run on each of the four lanes.  The three fastest average times in each of the den-level races will be recognized with a trophy for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the respective den-level.  Also, the three fastest average times across all the den-level races will be used to determine the Overall District awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.    

  RACE ELIGIBILITY   

  1. Each pack is allowed to enter six cars for the Speed competition. The pack will determine the criteria for selection of their entries. Packs that were able to run their Pack’s derby in early 2021 may want to enter their den-level winners, however, there is no set qualifications this year for which six Speed competition cars your pack may enter.

  2. Each pack may also send one car for the “Appearance” Competition — Awards will be given for: Best In Show, Judge’s Favorite, Most Creative, Most Humorous & Most Futuristic. The pack will determine the criteria for selection of their entry.

  3. Each car must pass inspection and weigh-in before it can compete. The Check-In Inspection Team has the right to disqualify cars that do not meet these rules. Pack drop-off representatives will be informed of any disqualified cars prior to the start of the race.

  4. Repairs will not be possible at check-in so please try to ensure cars are compliant before drop-off.  Disqualified cars will still race, but will be relegated to the “Outlaw” section and will not qualify for a speed award, but my qualify for an “appearance” award.

  5. By registering online, the unit leader acknowledges that his/her Pack’s cars meet these rules to the best of his or her knowledge. 

DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION 

In addition to standard maximum and minimum car dimensions diagramed in these rules, two additional dimensions are established for this race due to the design of the track:   

  • Vertical clearance below the electronic Finish Line timer is only 6 inches; cars that compete for speed must be 6 inches or less in height;
  • The aluminum track starting pins extend 2 inches above the surface of the track. No part of the car may protrude forward beyond the starting pin.

Length, Width, and Clearance   

  1. Maximum overall width including wheels and axles = 2¾ inches.

  2. Maximum overall height = 6 inches (not shown in the diagram).  

  3. Minimum width between wheels = 1¾ inches.

  4. Minimum clearance between bottom of the car and track = 3/8 inch. If you put weights under your car, recess them into a hole in the underside of the car’s body.

  5. Maximum car length = 7 inches. This measurement includes any decorations added to the car such as wings, spoilers, bumpers, exhaust pipes, etc.  

  6. Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) must not be more than 4½ inches.

  7. Commercially precut Pinewood Derby car kits may be used if they meet the above specifications. Only official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby wheels and axles may be used. The solid metal axles (one axle for two wheels), wheels and end caps found in some commercial kits may not be used.

Weight and Appearance

  1. Weight ≤ 5.00 ounces. The car may be hollowed out and built to the maximum weight by the addition of wood, metal, plastic, paint, or decals only, provided each is built into or securely affixed to the body.

  2. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.

  3. Details and additions such as steering wheel, driver, spoiler, and decals are permitted as long as they do not cause the car to exceed the specifications identified above.
  4. Cars with wet paint or glue will not be accepted at inspection/weigh-in.

  5. Mercury shall not be used in adding weight to the car.

Wheels, Axles, and Lubrication

  1. Wheels – Only the wheels and axles provided with an official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Car Kit can be used. Official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby wheels and axles that are sold separately (i.e. colored wheels) may also be used. If official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Wheels and Axles are included in a precut car kit, they may also be used.  The car may not be sent to third-party facilities for tuning or other performance enhancements.

  2. Four wheels must be used, one per axle – no more, no less. Not all four wheels need to touch the track.

  3. Axles on the car may be polished. However, using pre-polished or pre-grooved axles from a third-party facility is prohibited.  The car may not ride on springs.

  4. Mold projections on wheel tread – Mold projections on a wheel’s tread may be removed, but the wheel should not be otherwise shaved, shaped or narrowed.

  5. Wheel bearings, washers and bushings, etc. prohibited – Use of bearings, bushings, washers, or the like between the wheel and car body are prohibited. Wheels must come in direct contact with the car body.

  6. Wheel rim coverings are prohibited – A covering placed on a wheel rim that might hold graphite or lubricant around a nail axle head is not permitted.

  7. No mechanical propulsion – The car must be freewheeling with no starting assistance, springs, or other methods of propulsion. No magnets are permitted anywhere on the car.

  8. Only dry lubricants, such as graphite, molybdenum (moly), or tungsten disulfide (WS2) powder may be used. Liquid lubricants, such as Krytox lubricant, oils, and silicone sprays are prohibited.

  9. Wheel alterations prohibited – use of any type of beveled, tapered, thin sanded, wafered or lathe-turned wheels is prohibited.  Any attempt to reduce the running surface of the wheel will disqualify the car.  

INSPECTION  

  1. Each car must be registered, numbered, and pass inspection and weigh-in before it can compete in the Derby.

  2. The Inspection Team, appointed by the Chair, may disqualify those cars that do not meet the 2020 Potomac District Pinewood Derby Rules.

  3. Once a car is inspected and registered, only Derby Committee officials will handle the car. Cars will not be re-inspected unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race.

  4. Be sure to lubricate the axles and make any last-minute repairs before the car is presented for Registration and Inspection.

RACING RULES   

  1. Cars must be made for the current 2020 Pinewood Derby season. Derby cars or axles and wheels from cars raced in prior year competitions are not permitted.   NO REPEATS or REPAINTS.

  2. Each car will participate in four heats, running once in each of the four track lanes.

  3. The average time to complete the four heats will determine the fastest cars in each den-level and the overall district.

  4. The following rules apply:

    • If a car comes off the track during a heat, a “No Race” will be declared and the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, that car’s time for that heat will default to 9999 seconds.

    • If a car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, a “No Race” will be declared and the heat will be run again. If the same car leaves its lane a second time and/or interferes with another car, the interfering car will be removed from the heat and assigned a time of 9999 seconds for the heat.

    • If a car suffers a major mechanical problem, a “No Race” will be declared and race officials will attempt to repair the car within 5 minutes. If the car is still unable to compete, the damaged car will be assigned a time of 9999 seconds for the heat.

    • If a car or cars do not make it to the Finish Line, the car(s) will be assigned a time of 9999 seconds for the heat.

DISQUALIFICATION

  1. The Scout owner of a noncompliant or disqualified car will receive a participation patch. Their car will still race but will be relegated to the “Outlaw” section and will not qualify for a speed award, but my qualify for an “appearance” award.

  2. Decisions of the Judges during all heats and races are final. 

AWARDS   

  1. Five Appearance (non-racing) Awards will be presented; one each for Best In Show, Judge’s Favorite, Most Unusual, Most Humorous and Most Colorful.

  2. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be presented to the Scouts with cars that finish with the fastest average times (average of the four heats) in their den-level.

  3. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall district trophies will be presented to the Scouts with cars that finish with the 3 fastest average times in the entire Derby.

  4. Scouts who do not receive a competitive award will receive a Participation Patch.

  

Questions concerning these rules or the Potomac District Pinewood Derby race, may be addressed to
the Potomac District Chair, Ken Sprinkle at kens@infoservinc.com