Pinewood Derby Rules

Here is the last set of Pinewood Derby rules I have received from the North Atlanta District. There may be a 2007 version. I will post the 2007 rules if anyone has a copy.

NORTH ATLANTA DISTRICT
2006 PINEWOOD DERBY RULES

1. CAR BODY SPECIFICATIONS:
a. Material: Each participating Scout should obtain a BSA “Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit” (the “official BSA” kit). The main body of the car is to be built from wood. Other materials may be incorporated into the car so long as such materials are not otherwise prohibited under these rules. The use of Scout symbols (Cubs, Bears, etc.) is encouraged.
b. Maximum Length. The overall length of the car (including wheels) may not exceed 7”. No part of the car may extend beyond any part of the starting pin mechanism.
c. Extended Wheelbase Allowed. It is not required that the pre-cut axle slots of the official BSA kit be used for axle placement. Car axles may be placed wherever desired (e.g., extended wheelbase beyond the pre-cut axle slots is allowed), so long as the car (including wheels) does not exceed the maximum 7” length.
d. Maximum Height. To adequately clear the timing devices, the height of the cars may not exceed 3”.
e. Track Clearance: The clearance between the bottom of the car and track must be a minimum of ⅜”. Please note that this is necessary to allow the car to pass the sloped part of the track without scraping the car’s bottom on the center guide strip. The center guide strip is approximately ¼” tall (but may vary slightly).
f. Maximum Weight: The car’s total ready-to-race weight may not exceed 5 ounces as determined by the judges’ use of their designated weighing device (e.g., digital scales). Portions of the car body may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by addition of solid material such as wood or metal.
g. Attachments. All attachments to the car, including decorations, decals, spoilers, fenders, etc., must be securely attached (i.e., nothing can be taped on, such as weights). No attachments may be added that would act to move or power the car.
h. Maximum Width. So the car will properly fit on the track, Scouts should be careful in adding attachments that make the body of the car (not including wheels) exceed the width of the block of wood in the official BSA kit (which is 2¾”). If the car does not fit properly on the track (e.g., resulting in rubbing the track or interfering with other cars racing), it may be disqualified.

2. AXLE SPECIFICATIONS: Only official BSA axles may be used on the cars and any substitution of any non-BSA nails, screws, wires for axles is prohibited.
a. Certain Axle Modifications Allowed. The official BSA axles may be modified by removing spurs, polishing, etc.
b. Other Modifications Prohibited. Additions of any wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are prohibited. The car may not ride on any type of springs.
c. Allowance for Inspection. Axles must be able to be visually examined by the Race Officials, and if glued in place, the entire point of the axle end must be exposed to allow for examination by Race Officials.

3. WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS: Only official BSA wheels may be used on the cars.
a. Certain Modifications Allowed. The official BSA wheels may be lightly sanded or slightly shaved to remove surface imperfections such as mold seams. After any such modifications, all wheels must have a flat tread and the tread “teeth” must be visible from the side of the wheel. The axle holes in the wheel may also be smoothed.
b. Other Modifications Prohibited. The width of the official BSA wheels are not to be reduced. No hubcaps are allowed. No material (other than lubrication) may be added to the wheels. Wheels must be free-spinning with no starting devices. The wheels cannot have a singular bead or multiple raised surfaces that the wheel rides on.
c. Lubrication: The wheels and axles may be lubricated with a dry lubricant. No liquid lubricants are permitted. All lubricants may only be applied outside the buildings prior to inspection, weigh-in and registration.

4. RACE OFFICIALS, INSPECTION & QUALIFICATION. To provide for a level playing field, Pack 232 designated Race Officials have the right to request modifications to a car or to disqualify a car that does not meet the rules or specifications above. If a question arises that is not adequately covered in these rules, the Race Officials will exercise their judgment to equitably determine the appropriate action. Race Officials will be the sole arbiters in all situations of rule interpretation, issues of inspection, and enforcement, and their decisions are final. If you have any questions on these rules, you should seek clarification as soon as possible before the race from Race Officials Dan King (drdking@bellsouth.net) or Jay Daly (jaypd@comcast.net).