4.1 Overall Car Specifications
4.1.1 Maximum Overall Width (outside edge-to-edge of wheels): 3 inches
4.1.2 Minimum Width between wheels: 1-7/8 inches
4.1.3 Wheelbase – The distance between axels must NOT be changes. Only the original axle grooves may be used.
4.1.4 Maximum Length – 7 inches
4.1.5 Maximum Height – 4 inches
4.1.6 Minimum Track Clearance – 3/8 inch
4.1.7 Front of Car – No part of the car can extend beyond the starting post and the front of the car must be no higher than 1/2 inch where it contacts the starting post.
4.1.8 Maximum Weight – 5 ounces or 141.75 grams as weighed on the official race scale
4.2 Materials
4.2.1 Race cars shall be constructed for this event from the parts contained in the “Official Pinewood Derby Car Kit” as sold by the local Scout Shop.
4.2.2 Molded metal bodies over wooden frames are beyond most parent/child team and are therefore not accepted.
4.2.3 Materials from the kit may be supplemented but not replaced.
4.2.4 ADD-ONs are not restricted as long as they meet with the rules and regulations as specified within this document.
4.2.5 Special paint, decals, decorations, etc. are allowed.
4.3 Weight
Weight is considered to be any material on the car that is not provided in the kit.
4.3.1 Race cars may weigh no more than five (5.00) ounces or 141.75 grams total weight as determined by the official scales during the pre-race check-in.
4.3.2 Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements.
4.3.3 The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of solid materials such as wood or metal provided it is securely attached or built into the body chassis.
4.3.4 The weight MUST NOT be taped on (i.e. masking tape, duct tape, scotch tape…) Heavy duty double back tape such as that used by the ones sold by the BSA – Stick on Weights (618807)
4.3.5 No liquid weights are permitted inside or attached to the outside of the car body.
4.3.6 No weights may be added after the registered and impounded for the Pack race.
4.3.7 All weight must be securely fastened to the car, e.g. by permanent glue, nails or screws, but not by “sticky substances” (i.e. tape or tack spray).
4.3.8 Weights shall be passive, i.e. non-movable, non-magnetic, non-electric, non-sticky, etc.
4.4 Wheels and Axles
4.4.1 All cars must have 4 (four) wheels. The car shall roll on all four of the wheels from the official kit.
4.4.2 All four wheels MUST be in contact with a flat surface when the car is placed on it.
4.4.3 The wheels shall turn about the axle nails from the axle kit. It must be obvious to the judges that the grooves, wheels, and the nails from the kit are being used.
4.4.4 Only the official BSA wheels and axles may be used as replacements.
4.4.5 The wheel base (distance between the axles) must not be changed from the standard locations of the official car kit.
4.4.6 Hubcaps or wheel covers are not allowed.
4.4.7 The axle nails shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body, and MUST be placed in the original “axle grooves” in the supplied wooden block.
4.4.8 THE SHAPE AND FORM OF THE WHEELS CANNOT BE MODIFIED OR RESHAPED, however wheels may be sanded to remove molding burrs. Wheels may not be tapered or rounded. See FIGURE 3.
4.4.9 Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) may not result in substantial removal of mass nor reducing the wheel width from the original kit wheels.
4.4.10 Some of the original “tread marks” on the wheel face must remain intact, i.e. apparent to the inspector.
4.5 Size
4.5.1 Race cars may no longer than 7 inches, as determined by the official gauges during the registration and inspection.
4.5.2 Race cars may be no wider than 2-3/4 inches, as determined by the official gauges during the registration and inspection.
4.5.3 Underside clearance of at least 3/8 inches and inside wheel clearance of at least 1-3/4 inches is recommended, so that the car will run on the race track without hinderance.
4.5.4 Adequate clearance is the responsibility of the race car builder.
4.6 Lubricants
4.6.1 The wheels and axles may be lubricated with only White Teflon Lube or Dry Powdered Graphite.
4.6.2 Lubricants may not foul the track.
4.6.3 There will be a lubrication table set up at the race.
4.6.4 In the interest of fairness, only one lubrication is allowed before the beginning of the first heat race and then once again before the beginning of the Grand Finals.
4.6.5 If wheel or axle repairs are necessary during the race, the replacement part may be re-lubricated under the supervision of a race official.
4.7 Unacceptable Construction
4.7.1 The following may not be used in conjunction with the wheels or axles:
• Hubcaps, Washers, Inserts, Sleeves, Bearings
4.7.2 No loose material of any kind is permitted in or on the car.
4.8 Gravity Powered
4.8.1 The race car may not be constructed or treated in such a way that the track’s starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car.
4.8.2 Cars with sticky substances on the front of the car and protrusions which may catch on the starting pin shall be disqualified.
4.8.3 The car shall not run on any type of springs.
4.8.4 The car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices.