Tips for Car Builders

• Clean the nubs off the axles and wheels then polish them with sandpaper.
• Get as close to the maximum weight of 5 ounces as possible. Reaching the maximum weight is the most critical component of speed. Bring some extra weight that you can add on race day and have some weight that you can easily remove.
• Put the wheels on as straight as possible.  Lubricate them with graphite.  DON'T use WD40 (it melts the wheels) or other wet lubricants such as oils, silicones or waxes.
• Body shape isn't as important as it is for NASCAR, but generally a sleeker, more aerodynamic/wedge shape is faster.
• DON'T play with the cars before the race. Scooting the racers around, dropping them on the floor, etc., can damage the wheels and can knock the car out of alignment. Treat the car with care until after the race is over.

Pinewood Car Design  

All cars must comply with the following racing specifications and be newly made since the last Pinewood Derby (stick with the official Pinewood Derby Kit and you'll be fine):

• Width: Overall width shall not exceed 2-3/4".
• Length: Overall length shall not exceed 7".
• Weight: Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.  All weights should be securely attached.
• Wheels: The car must have four operational wheels (but only three are required to touch the track) as supplied in the Kit (or identical BSA replacement wheels). Wheels may not be sanded to angles, tapered or grooved, but may be polished smooth by the Scout (no purchasing of pre-polished wheels).
• Axles & Bearings: You must use the axles supplied with the Kit (or identical BSA replacement axles). Axles may be polished smooth by the Scout (no purchasing  pre-polished axles). Washers, wheel bearings, bushings and springs are not allowed. 
• Wheelbase: You may not change the wheelbase of the car (This means that the original axle slots must be used for the the axles).
• Details: Details such as steering wheel, driver, decals, painting or interior detail are encouraged as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length and width specifications.
• Attachments: The car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices. No "Quick Start" designs will be allowed (i.e., a cut-out notch in the front of the car with a paperclip, tape and/or other materials that are equal to or extend past the front of the car body).  
• Pre-Shaped Car Bodies:  Preshaped car bodies are NOT permitted once again this year. All bodies must be shaped from the block of wood in the Kit.
• Inspection: Each car must pass inspection by the Pinewood Derby Committee before it may compete.  The Pinewood Derby Committee has the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet these specifications. Cars may be lubricated before inspection. No further lubrication will be permitted.
• NOTE: A design for a derby car found on a scout website does not mean that it is "legal" for the PACK 3079 Pinewood Derby.  All cars must comply with the rules above.

If you have questions on the Official Rules, please bring them to the attention of Mark Herman immediately. Remember that it is important to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the rules!

Pinewood Racing Rules

• The race is open to all Cub Scouts and siblings.
• If a car jumps off the track, the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, it will automatically lose the heat. 
• If a car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, the heat will be run again. If the same car leaves its lane a second time and interferes with another car, the heat will be run again without the interfering car. The interfering car will automatically lose the heat. 
• If a car suffers a mechanical problem, loses an axle, breaks a wheel and a repair can be accomplished in a reasonable time in the judgment of the Pinewood DerbyCommittee, the heat will be run again. If not, the car will automatically lose the heat.
• All decisions of the Pinewood Derby Committee are final.
• Only adult volunteers will be permitted into the registration and track area.