Pinewood Derby Rules

Offical rules for Pack 400 and Riverbend District Pinewood Derby Cars

  • The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
  • The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
  • The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
  • The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.
  • You may not alter the distance between the axles or “wheel base”.

Derby Car Weight Rules

  • The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
  • The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.

Car Modifications

  • The official pine wood block must be used. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired.
  • Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
  • The axles may be altered, polished and lubricated.

Other Pinewood Derby Race Rules

  • Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only race committee members can touch it.
  • If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make repairs.
  • Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
  • The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.
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