Pinewood Derby

See the Starting Line!

How it Works

Certificate of Achievement (PDF Format)

Certificate Source Files for other Packs (Word format)

• Tigers will weigh in and be inspected at 6:15 PM and start racing by 6:30 PM.
• All others will be weighed and inspected before 7:00pm when the rest of the racing begins.

The Rules

1. All decisions of the race officials are final.
2. The car must have been made during the current scouting year.
3. Only one car may be registered by any person in the Pinewood Derby.
4. All cars must be weighed and inspected before the deadline for the racer's den to be qualified. The inspection points are:
   1. The width of the car shall not exceed 2.75 inches.
   2. The length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
   3. The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces. The official race scale shall be considered final.
   4. Any details added must be within length, width, and weight limits.
   5. The wheels supplied with the kit must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seam from the wheels.
   6. Axles shall be as provided in the kit. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited. The car shall not ride on any kind or type of springs.
   7. The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
   8. No loose materials of any kind are allowed in or on the car. Adjustments to the weight of the car must be accomplished prior to registration. Any lead, coins or washers added for weight must be securely fastened to the car.
   9. The official number will be clearly marked or visible on the car.
   10. The front of the car must not protrude over the starting post.
   11. Any other design detail that, in the sole determination of the Derby Subcommittee Chair, provides an unfair starting advantage will not be allowed. If you have any questions about the design features of your car, it is your responsibility to obtain prior approval from the Derby Subcommittee Chair.
5. Each heat will be announced. All people other than the race officials must remain behind the barriers.
6. The starter will make sure the cars are on the track properly and then will start the race.
7. The race officials and racers will then report to the finish line to record the results.
8. The car whose nose is over the finish line first is the winner. Please remember that each race is not over until the last car crosses the finish line. Race officials and place spotters will select the first-, second-, third-, and fourth-place winners during each heat.
9. If a car leaves the track, runs out of its lane, interferes with another, loses an axle, etc. the heat will be rerun. If the same car experiences trouble on the second run, the contestant is disqualified and automatically loses that race. If, on the second run, another car is interfered with, the heat will be run a third time, but without the disqualified car.
10. When the results of each heat are recorded, the cars will be returned to the staging area.
11. Awards will be announced after the heat for which the awards are to be given. Drivers and their partners will report to the Winner's Circle for awards as their names are called.
12. There will be several race heats. Den winners will be determined first. The first place finishers from each Den will advance to the Pack championship heats. The remaining racers will participate in consolation heats.
13. There is an open division for the leaders and other friends and family members, as time allows.
14. Several non-speed awards will be given, including Most Creative Entry and a Scouts' Choice Award.