PINEWOOD DERBY OFFICIAL RULES 2016
The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful special events in Cub Scouting,
and because of this, we have a District Pinewood Derby, held at the Center for Scouting, 4200
19th Ave S, Fargo ND, on Sunday, April 3rd. Check in and inspection of cars at the officials table
from 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm. Racing will begin at 3:00 PM!
Cub Scouts who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their Pack’s pinewood derby are invited to enter their
car in this race, Car must have been made after May of 2015.
Racers are asked to register for the District Pinewood Derby race online at www.nlcbsa.org
before 11:59 pm on Wednesday, March 30. There is a $5.00 cost per scout registration.
All boys should wear their uniforms. Any family members that wish to be present during the
race are welcome to come and enjoy the race. Refreshments will be served.
PINEWOOD DERBY RULES
ALL CARS MUST PASS THE FOLLOWING INSPECTION TO QUALIFY FOR THE RACE.
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Rules
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Only cars built after May of 2015 can be used.
All 4 wheels must be on the track, all 4 wheels must spin.
Only official B.S.A. Pinewood Derby kits may be used.
Follow the rules in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit and the rules below.
Please make sure that you and your Cub read all the directions before you begin the project.
All basic kit materials must be used. This means that the wood blocks must be used,
specifically the part from the axle slot to axle slot and also maintaining the full body width (13/4”) between wheels. All four official wheels and axle pins provided must be used and may
not be modified in any way except removal of the injection molding die lines that result from
the manufacturing process. They must also be used for their intended purpose only.
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If your axle slots are not square to the edge of the block (meaning your car may not
drive straight), you may drill new axle slots so long as they are not more than ¼” from the
existing slots. Car axles must remain on 4-3/8” centers.
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PINEWOOD DERBY OFFICIAL RULES 2016 continues…..
The wheels must be at least 1-7/8” inches apart to run on the track, but not more than
2-3/4” wide or they will obstruct the other cars.
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The car cannot be over 7” long and 4” tall including any decorative accessories such as
plastic lights, bumpers, drivers, etc. No FENDERS will be allowed on any car. It must fit into the
official measurement box with the wheels touching the bottom of the box.
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The track has a starting line pin approximately ¾” inch tall that the front of the car must
rest against. No part of the car may extend beyond this starting pin.
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 Be Careful! There must be a minimum of 3/8” track clearance; otherwise the car will not roll.
The track has guide rails down the center of each lane that are used to keep the car straight.
 The car and all its parts cannot weigh more than 5 ounces. We will be very strict on the
weight. Any cars exceeding the weight limit at race weight-in will not be allowed to race.
• You may use graphite to lubricate the wheels before car weigh-in. Cars will be collected at
weigh-in. Further modification and lubrication is prohibited. Dry lubricant only, such as
graphite may be used. No oil or liquid lubricants.
• You may sand wheels and axles smooth. Altering the shape of the wheels or axles is
prohibited.
• Weights and decals must be permanently fixed to the car. No loose weights and decals.
• You must only use the materials in car kit box, except for weights, and decals.
• Weights placed on the bottom of the car must be flush with the bottom of the car (Min 3/8”
between bottom of the car and the track) so they don’t hit the track. Weights place on the car
must not exceed the maximum height, width, and length dimensions allowed for the cars.
• Additional wood or weight may be added as long as the total weight of the car does not
exceed five ounces and overall size limits are not exceeded. All parts and weights must be
permanently attached (no tape, string, etc. is acceptable).
• Additional types of decorative material (i.e. paint, decals, steering wheel, driver, etc.) may be
used and are encouraged. Decal kits are available at local hobby stores. Additional wheel and
axle kits are available as well if the ones furnished in the kit are defective for any reason.
PINEWOOD DERBY OFFICIAL RULES 2016 continues…..
• However, the wheels and axles must be of the same type as the originals that where supplied
with the kit.
• No propulsion devices may be used (i.e. rubber bands, springs, etc.).
• No suspension systems of any kind may be used. No washers, bearings,
collets, etc. may be
used. Nor any springs or screws may be used to hold the wheels on.
• Only one car entry allowed per Cub Scout. Each car must be new for this year’s race and have
not ever raced in a district Pinewood Derby race before.
• If a wheel falls off during racing, the car will be placed in its respective finishing position. The
Scout will be able to fix the car with pit crew help to get it running. No graphite may be added
to cars being repaired. A car may only be repaired once. If the car is in repairs at a race time,
the race committee will substitute a dummy car until the repaired car is ready.
• If weights or cosmetics fall off a car during racing, they will not be replaced.
RECOGNITION WILL BE AWARDED FOR 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD PLACE overall times. Each Cub Scout
will receive a participatory medal.