Cub Scout Pack 12
Pinewood Derby Race Rules
Cars must be built from the
Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Car Kit
Supplied to the Scouts (purchased) at the
Pinewood Derby Workshop, Jan. 15th 2011.
* Scouts must be present to race their car! *
Once cars have been registered, weighed and certified, they will remain in the hands of the race committee until the end of the competition.
1. ONLY GRAPHITE WILL BE USED to lubricate the cars. After the cars pass through registration, the racing committee will lubricate the cars before they are impounded. At no other time during the race will the cars be lubricated.
2. Because of possible damage to the cars and track, there will be no running, pushing, horsing around, etc. in the building. (Yes, we know the children are excited and cheering on their cars, so parents and Leaders need to keep the Scouts and siblings in order, let’s try to keep it down to a low roar!!)
3. Food and drinks will be available during the race. Each heat will be announced. (Parents from each Den may be required to WORK the kitchen if we can not get the help, don’t worry; we will make sure you see your child’s car race!!...i.e.: Tigers race, Wolf parents in kitchen...Etc...)
4. Scouts and all other spectators must remain behind the roped off area. Seats will be set up.
5. The starter will make sure the cars are on the track properly and then the race will start.
6. Results will be recorded by the Fast Track Finish Line and the Grand Prix Race Manager Software. (No more Guess work!!)
7. If a car leaves the track, runs out of its lane, interferes with another car, loses an axle, etc., the heat will be rerun. If the car cannot be repaired in a timely fashion, the contestant will be disqualified and automatically loses that race.
Cars constructed for previous Pinewood Derbies are NOT eligible to compete.
Cub Scout Pack 12
Pinewood Derby Car Specifications
All racers, regardless of division, must comply with the following racing specifications, which are excerpted from the official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit Instructions:
- Width: Overall width shall not exceed 2-3/4". (So it does not interfere with the car next to it!) (Also DO NOT shorten the width of the car or it will not fit on track correctly!)
- Length: Overall length shall not exceed 7". (No weights should be protruding out the back of the car, i.e.: sticking out.)
- Height: Overall height shall not exceed 5 1/2". (To clear the timer)
- Weight: Finished car cannot weigh more than 5 ounces. The weight shown on the Official Race Scale is final. All car parts and materials must be firmly attached. To increase the car's weight, add wood or metal only.
- Wheels & Axles: Use only Official Scout Grand Prix wheels and axles from the derby car kit as supplied. You can polish the axles. You may lightly sand the wheels to remove the molding seam on the tread. No other wheel modifications are allowed. Washers and bushings are prohibited. ALL 4 WHEELS MUST MAKE CONTACT WITH THE TRACK!
- Lubrication: Use dry powdered graphite ONLY. You may not use any other lubricant, especially oils and silicone sprays. No graphite may be applied after car inspection.
- Springing: The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
- Details: Details such as steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, or interior details are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and height specifications.
- Attachments: The car must be freewheeling with no starting devices.
10. Inspection: Each Car must pass inspection before it may compete. The Inspectors have the right to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications by race time.
Cub Scout Pack 12
Guidelines for Pinewood Derby Car Assembly
The following guidelines are to be followed when building a Pinewood Derby racer. These guidelines are established to minimize controversy over the degree of parental involvement in the construction of the car. Remember that, ideally, the building of a Pinewood Derby car is a parent/son endeavor. If a parent is unable to assist the Scout in building the racer, help from an older brother/sister, uncle, aunt, grandparent, or other adult is encouraged.
Car Design - The Scout should select and produce a sketch of the car design. Ensure that the width of the car is 1-3/4" at the points where the wheels are attached. (This is the width of the block of wood that comes in the kit) If the width is less than 1-3/4" at these points the car will not fit on the track.
(Note: Try not to design the nose (front) of the car to a point; this can cause a problem at the starting gate!)
Shaping the Car Body - In most cases, the adult is encouraged to rough cut the car body. This is particularly true if power tools are used.
1. If hand tools are used, let the Scout assist in cutting the shape. Use this opportunity to instruct the Scout on the proper use, care, and storage of the tools that you are using.
2. If power tools are used, ensure that all safety devices associated with the tools are employed. Use this opportunity to instruct the Scout on the safe operation of power tools. Make sure that safety glasses/goggles are worn by anyone around a power tool in operation.
Finishing the Car Body - All sanding, painting, decal application, or other detailing of the car body shall be done by the Scout. Once the shape of the car body is established, it is the Scouts sole responsibility to finish the car. Guidance by the adult is encouraged, but actual performance of the work falls to the Scout. Once again, use this opportunity to instruct the Scout on sanding technique, painting decals, etc., but don't forget to let the Scout do the work!!!
(If you have a Tiger Scout, you can help more with the construction of the car.
Let them do as much as they can!)
Wheels and Axles - Adults should take the lead in preparing the wheels and axles. All of the steps that follow are critical if the car is to be a fast racer!
1. As noted in the instructions that come with the racer, remove the wheel seams using a drill (electric or hand), a six penny finishing nail, and a piece of fine sandpaper glued to a flat block. Let the Scout assist by having him hold the sandpaper (all ages) or the drill (recommended for Webelos only).
2. Insert the axles (without the wheels) into the car body to within 1/4” of the head of the axle. Make sure that the axles are inserted perpendicular to the car body. Gently remove the axles with a pair of pliers by slowly twisting and pulling on each axle.
3. Pre-lubricate (a) the inside of each wheel and (b) the part of the axle near the head where the wheel will rotate with dry powdered graphite only.
Do not use regular oil or silicone spray.
4. Slide the wheels over the axles and gently tap the axles into the car body. A gap of 1/32" (How do you measure that?!!) is recommended between the wheel and the car body. In short, a slight gap should exist between the wheels and the body. Each wheel should turn freely. (Put a small amount of glue in the groove over the axle, after it is installed, to hold it into place.)
5. Remember, all 4 wheels must make contact with the track!