Pinewood Derby Rules

— Rules last updated for the 2024-25 season.

Table Of Contents
  1. Car Design Rules
  2. Race Procedures
  3. When do we race?
  4. Trophies and Awards
  5. Additional Race Divisions

Car Design Rules

Who builds the car?

  • The car should be substantially built by the Scout.
  • Parental supervision and guidance appropriate to the age and ability of the Scout in the construction of the car is encouraged, but let them build it.
    • PARENTS: This is your Scout’s car – not yours – so let them design and build it! You can race your own car in the Outlaw division.

When?

  • The car must be newly built for the current Cub Scouting year.
  • No part of any previous year’s car body, wheels, or axles may be entered.
  • The car’s body, wheels, and axles must all have been made from an official BSA Pinewood Derby kit or an official BSA Pinewood Derby wheel replacement kit (both available at the Scout Shop – these are not the same as Hobby Lobby’s Pine Car products)
  • Any car with non-BSA wheels or axles will not be allowed to race, and will necessitate replacement with BSA parts before the car is accepted for racing.
  • No pre-polished wheels or axles should be ordered off the internet – this would be a breach of Scout honor; the Scout should do the polishing.

Body

  • The body of the car must be largely made from the rectangular block of wood provided in an official BSA Pinewood Derby kit.
  • The car body may be shaped and decorated as desired by the Scout as long as it conforms to these rules and guidelines.
  • Other pieces may be added to the wood block, as long as they stay within guidelines for the total size of the car and are securely fastened.
  • Loose pieces that fall off during a race are not permitted.
  • Precut car kits of any brand (including BSA) are not permitted in this pack. We want the Scout to have the experience of cutting and building their car.

Dimensions

  • The maximum width of the car, including wheels, may not exceed 2 ¾“.
  • The minimum width between the wheels at the axles shall be 1 ¾“ (approximately the width of the block of wood in the kit), so that the car will clear the wooden strip down the center of each lane.
  • The minimum clearance from where the tires touch the track to the bottom of the car (along its entire length and width) is at least 3/8”, so that the car will clear the guide strip.
    • WARNING: Adding weights under your car will probably cause the car to drag on the guide-strip. So, either place them somewhere else, make them super-thin, or sink/recess them into the wood.
  • Wheels may not be designed to ride on top of the guide strip of the track.
  • Narrowing of the car body in areas other than the axle area is permitted. The maximum length of the car may not exceed 7” (approximately the length of the block of wood in the kit) – including all decorations & add-ons.
  • The overall height shall not exceed 5“.
  • No part of the car may extend beyond or hang over the starting post. If the front of the car is designed to gain an
  • unfair advantage at the start or interferes with a fair start, the car will be disqualified.

Axles

  • The underside of the axle head may be ground or reshaped if desired.
  • Do not move the axles – use the nail slots already positioned on the block of wood.
  • If your block’s nail slots are crooked, you may request a new car kit from the pack or go purchase another one yourself.
  • The axles (nails) must be firmly attached to the car; use wood glue or model cement to secure the axle/nail into the body.
  • The use of a flexible suspension system of any type is prohibited.

Wheels

  • Wheels may be sanded to remove surface imperfections (such as the mold projection defects), but the tread must remain flat & parallel to the axle.
  • The shape or size of the wheel may not be changed to enhance performance.
  • The decorative dots on the wheel treads may not be removed.
  • The wheels must be attached to the car with the nails/axles provided in the kit. No cars will be accepted where bearings, washers, or spacers are used as part of the wheel assembly.
  • The official wheel width is 3/8″, and the wheel diameter is 1 3/16”.
  • Wheels can be from the official BSA Pinewood Derby kit or BSA wheel replacement kit, and they can be black or colored.

Lubrication

  • Only graphite powder may be used to lubricate wheels.
    • WARNING: other lubricants may damage the plastic wheels and keep them from turning freely.
  • Once the car is impounded, it may NOT be re-lubricated!

Weight

  • The total weight of the car may not exceed 5.0 ounces.
  • Extra weight may be glued to the car.
  • Also, weight may be added to hollowed out areas of the car body, as long as all additional material is firmly affixed to the body and doesn’t move relative to the car during the race.
  • No loose materials are permitted in or on the car.

Other rules

  • The motion of the car may not be mechanically aided. Motor, springs, rubber bands, magnets, etc. are prohibited. The car can only be powered by gravity.
    • TIP: transport your completed car in a shoe box. They are less likely to get dropped & damaged.
  • Name your cars – be creative!

Race Procedures

  • After the Scout has registered, their car will be weighed, measured, and inspected to ensure compliance with the above rules.
  • A scale will be used to weigh cars, and the balance will be able to resolve at least .1 ounce. Cars will not be accepted if their weight exceeds five (5.00) ounces by even the smallest amount. Final weights may be secured to the car at the pit crew area during check-in to get close to (but not above) 5.00 ounces.
  • A wood, plastic, or metal jig will be used to determine if the car complies with the length, width, and wheelbase limitations. Please make sure all paint is dry before check-in.
  • A Cub Scout whose car fails any part of the inspection will be given the opportunity to make adjustments to the car. Cars will be re-weighed, measured, and inspected until they comply or until the scheduled race starting time.
  • After the car has passed inspection, it will be kept overnight by the race officials to await the race. Cars may not be handled after inspection until they are scheduled to race.
  • Cars will be protected from handling by anyone except the race officials and the car owner.
  • A pit stop repair area will be available if a damaged car needs repair work between races. Any car receiving repair work will be re-inspected and possibly re-weighed prior to re-entering the race.
  • No additional graphite/lubrication may be applied to the car at the PD site, either before or during a PD.
  • All Scouts are to remain inside the Pinewood Derby area, with the exception of bathroom and designated breaks.
  • All decisions made by the judges are final. Any disputes, errors, or disagreements must be brought to the judges’ attention immediately. No changes will be made after the results are finalized.
  • Races will be held by rank and/or den. Each car will race four times, once in each lane.
  • The composite time for all four races will determine the places within each rank or den.

When do we race?

Pack 1537’s Pinewood Derby race is usually held on the 3rd or 4th Saturday of January. Check the current pack calendar for specific dates!

Our Pinewood Derby race usually starts between 8:30 and 9:00am. Scouts are expected to wear their Class A uniform, and are encouraged to invite their family to watch them race.

Trophies and Awards

  • Trophies will be awarded to the 3 fastest cars in each den.
  • The fastest cars of each den compete for a Trophy 🏆 for the fastest car in the Pack.
  • The slowest car of each den compete for a special Turtle Trophy 🐢🏆 award to the slowest car in the Pack!
    • NOTE: Cars competing in the Turtle race must clear the finish line in order to continue in the race.
  • Special award certificates for best design, best scouting theme, most unusual, best customizing, fastest looking, etc. Please note that only Scouts are eligible for the special awards.
  • Scouts will vote before the start of the race for the Coolest Looking Car and Fastest Looking Car. The winners will receive a Trophy.

Additional Race Divisions

Jr. Open Division

  • Siblings elementary school age and younger, not registered in the pack, compete in their own race for the Jr. Open Trophy.
  • Racers in this division are subject to the same rules as the Cub Scouts.
  • Have fun!

NEW FOR 2026

Jr. Outlaw Division

  • Siblings who have moved to the troop level or have crossed over from the pack, as well as siblings in middle and high school, compete in their own race for the Jr. Outlaw Trophy.
  • Racers in this division are subject to the same rules as the Outlaw division (see below).
  • Troop Scouts Volunteering at the event are encouraged to participate in this race.

Outlaw Division

  • Parents and Cub Scout Leaders compete for the Cubmaster Cup (and bragging rights!) in this exciting division with less rules.
  • Cars must be gravity powered only: No magnets, mercury, propellant, fireworks, springs, rubber bands, liquids, etc.
  • Cars should be at least partially made from the official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit. Kits are available for purchase at the December Pack Meeting or the Scout Shop.
  • Cars must fit to race down the track.
  • Cars should not damage the track or interfere with other racers.
  • Maximum weight for this category is 5 oz.
  • Other than that, anything goes!

HAPPY RACING!

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