Rules of the Road

  Pack 631, Larkspur, Colorado 


 

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PINEWOOD DERBY RULES OF THE ROAD - Pack 631

Note:  While there are many web sites and other resources that discuss Pinewood Derby designs, and while many Packs have their own rules, the following are established as the Rules of the Road for Pack 631.  In fairness to all participants, cars not conforming to these specifications will not be allowed to race. 

1.)  Only official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kits may be used.  Axles and wheels must be from the official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kits, and the AXLES MUST BE LEFT VISIBLE.  Specifically, it against the rules to use the one-piece axles (“Pinecar Kit” etc..) that are sold at Hobby Lobby or other stores.  Only Official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby axles may be used; other nails or material MAY NOT BE USED for axles.  At minimum, the pointed end of each official axle-nail must be visible to judges on the underside of the car.  Axle areas that are covered with weights or glue, filled with putty, painted, or otherwise not clearly visible will not be accepted, and will not be allowed to race.  DO NOT cover axles with weights.  DO NOT cover all of the nails with glue or paint; use clear cement if you feel the need to cover the entire axle with glue, so the judges may clearly see the axle-nail to ensure it meets this regulation. 

2.)  Cars constructed for previous year’s competitions may not be used for this year’s race.  This is a Cub Scout/parent project, to be enjoyed by both.  Have fun constructing your race car together. 

3.)  Car specifications:

 

Wheelbase:

Approximately 4 3/8 inches (113 mm).  The original kit axle slot distance must be used; the distance from the front wheel axle to the rear wheel axle CANNOT BE SHORTENED OR LENGTHENED.

 

Wheel Distance:

Approximately 1.75 inches between the wheels.

 

Overall Width:

Not exceeding 2.75 inches.

 

Overall Length:

Not exceeding 7.0 inches.

 

Overall Height:

Not exceeding 5.0 inches.

 

Chassis Clearance:

3/8 inch minimum.

 

Overall Weight:

Not exceeding 5.0 ounces - official race scale is final.

4.)  No loose materials of any kind are allowed on the car.  Decorations or add-ons are allowed, provided they are firmly attached, do not provide any motive force to the car, and do not make the car exceed the maximum dimensions allowed.  Cars with wet paint or glue will not be accepted.

5.)  Wheel bearings, washers, bushings, or any wheel lubrications of any kind other than graphite or Cub Scout Teflon powder is prohibited.  The car shall not ride on any springs or suspension system, and it must be free-wheeling with no starting devices. 

6.)  Wheels may be sanded to remove molding seams on the tread, but not grooved or ridged.  The width and shape of the original wheel tread cannot be changed.  The wheels must specifically ride flat on the track, and may not be beveled to ride on a narrow ridge or tilted to ride on an edge. 

7.)  Cars must have a designated front and rear.  If the car’s front and rear are not obvious, then prior to any races, the Scout must designate AND MARK ON THE CAR which end is the front and which end is the rear.  All cars MUST be raced with the front first.  Specifically, it is against the rules to “race a car backwards” or “run it backwards” for any reason.  In the spirit of good sportsmanship, all cars must be raced forward in the way they were designed and built by the Scout. 

8.)  No part of the car may protrude beyond the leading (uphill) edge of the starting pin.  The uphill edge of the starting pin is the starting line, and no part of the car may be over the plane of the starting line prior to the start of the race. 

9.)  Within reason, and to be decided by Race Officials, if a car experiences breakage during a race, the Scout and parent may be allowed a quick (up to 5 minutes) repair of the car to enable the Scout’s continued participation.  Officials will then run that heat again.  If the car cannot be repaired within 5 minutes, it loses the heat. 

10.)  A car that jumps the track or interferes with another car will cause the Race Officials to pause the race and determine the cause of the problem.  If debris on the track caused the car to jump out of the lane, the debris will be removed, the track will be wiped down / cleaned quickly, and the heat will be re-run with the cars in their same lanes.  If Race Officials determine that the car's design or performance caused it to jump the track, Race Officials will determine whether the problem can be adjusted or repaired within 5 minutes - as stated in Rule #9, and the Scout/Racer will be given all reasonable opportunity to repair the car and continue racing.  The heat will then be re-run with the cars in their same lanes.  If the car continues to jump the track after two re-runs of the same heat, the car loses the heat.

11.)  Pinewood Derby cars are approximately 1/24 scale, and many decals and accessories are available at local hobby stores in this scale.  In addition, there are decal sets and plastic drivers available at The Denver Scout Shop, 2929 W. 19th Ave.(303-477-4830).

12.)  After weigh-in, the race car will be held by the race officials until race time.  No alterations will be allowed after the car is weighed and checked in. The weight at weigh-in will be official.  Identification numbers will be furnished at weigh-in.  The inspection team has the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet official specifications.  Graphite powder will be available to everyone on race day.

13.)  The track is 48 feet long, with a raised center that is 1-23/32" wide and 1/4" thick running down the center of each lane to keep the car in its respective lane.  The starting gate has a slightly wider lath so the cars are accurately centered in the lane.  It is very important not to reduce the width of the wood block where the wheel and axle are attached to the car body.  If wood is removed from this area, the wheels may rub on the center lath and slow the car.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND BEHAVIOR ARE EXPECTED FROM SCOUTS AND PARENTS.  Race Officials may ask anyone not following this rule to leave.