Pinewood Derby Rules

Inspection Standards

Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete. Once inspected, the car remains with the inspection committee until the completion of the race. The inspectors may disqualify cars that do not meet the racing specifications below.

Note: Cars advancing to the District or Council competitions are subject to reinspection and may be disqualified for deviation from the racing specifications even though they pass the local pack inspection.

Racing Specifications

Width: The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4" (7 cm), measured outside edge to outside edge.

Length: The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches (17.8 cm). In some cases the original block may be slightly longer as supplied, this is allowed for during inspection of the car.

Height: Will not exceed 3 1/2".

Weight: Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces (142 grams). No loose materials or sliding weights are allowed in the car. The car body may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood, metal or plastic, provided it is securely built into the body. Do not attach weights to the bottom of the car since they may drag on the track's guide strip and slow the car.

Springing: The car shall not ride on any type of springs.

Details: Details such as steering wheel, driver, interior details, fins , spoilers, decals or painting are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum width, length or weight specifications.

Attachments: The car must be free-wheeling with no starting attachments or devices.

Clearances: The car will be guided down the track by a raised strip that measures 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) by 1/4 inch (.64 cm). The minimum distance from the inside edge to inside edge of the wheels is 1 5/8 inches (4.1 cm). The minimum distance from the bottom of the car to the surface the wheels roll on is 3/8 inch (1 cm). The front most part of the car shall not exceed 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the surface the wheels roll on.

Wheels and Axles: Wheels and axles of the type supplied in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit MUST be used. There are NO SUBSTITUTIONS allowed. Wheel bearings, bushings, or washers are not allowed. A)de supports or other axle holding devices are not allowed. The wheel base may be altered as long as the overall length specification is not exceeded. As per the instructions, the molding seam and burr can be removed from the wheel. No other changes to the general shape of the wheels are allowed (ie: tapering, grooving, ridging, etc ... ) that change the contact area of the wheel to the track surface.