The annual Pinewood Derby is one of the favorite events of the scouts and parents alike. Starting with just a block of wood, the boys (and their adult partners) transform it into a racing machine. Some will win. Some won't. Some will be radically creative. Others will be simple machines. They will all come together in January to race down a track to the finish line. Race day will be a grand celebration for all!
2015 DERBY RULES (based on the Scenic District Derby rules)
THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW APPLY HERE, AS THEY DO EVERYWHERE AND ALWAYS!
Compliance with the derby rules is the responsibility of the car builder. Any infraction, whether discovered at the weigh-in or on race day, may lead to disqualification of parties involved. Poor sportsmanship can lead to immediate disqualification!
QUALIFIED RACERS
Pack:
* All registered scouts in Pack 211 are eligible to enter the pack derby.
* An open class race will be held at the end of the pack race day. Family members and scouts may participate in this race. The only qualification is that the car fits on and will not damage the track.
District:
* 8 scouts (the top 2 finishers from each rank of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, & Webelos) may be registered by the pack for the district derby.
* Webelos I & II are combined as one rank.
* Any alternates must be a 3rd, 4th or 5th place finisher from the same grade level.
* District derby participants must be present in full uniform.
INSPECTION & WEIGH-IN
* Weigh-in will occur at the pack meeting on Thursday, January 22nd, between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. This only applies to cars produced by the scouts. Open class participants will only need to pass a limited inspection immediately prior to that race. See detailed rules below regarding the inspection elements that must be passed.
* Test scales will be available for use prior to inspection and weigh-in.
* All adjustments, including lubrication, must be made prior to reaching the inspection area.
* Cars failing the weigh-in or other inspection elements will be given 10 minutes to correct the issues (in an area away from the inspection point) and repeat the inspection process.
* If a car passes the weigh-in, the car will be impounded and no further adjustments will be allowed. Be sure to use lubricate, add weights, etc. prior to entering the inspection area.
* Cars will be impounded at weigh-in and may not be adjusted further, including lubrication, prior to the race.
RACE DAY GROUND RULES
* If a car (or any part of a car) leaves its lane and interferes with another car, the heat will be re-run. If the same car leaves its lane a second time and interferes with another car, the heat will be re-run again without the interfering car. The interfering car will automatically be disqualified from the race.
* If a car jumps off the track, the heat will be run again. If the same car jumps off the track a second time, it will be automatically disqualified from the race.
* If a car is damaged due to interference by another car, they will be given a 5 minute time limit to repair the car. The car will be inspected after repairs are made.
* Proper positioning of the cars will be limited to correct direction of the car and reasonable alignment of car to track.
* Cars must have been made for this year's race. You may not use previously made cars.
LUBRICATION
* Only dry powdered lubricants, such as graphite, may be used. Regular oils and silicone sprays may soften the plastic wheels.
* Excessive lubrication is prohibited as it may cause damage to the equipment or floors.
* Cars may be lubricated before approaching the inspection area. No further lubrication will be permitted once the car has been impounded.
LENGTH, WIDTH AND CLEARANCE
* Width (including wheels and axles) shall not exceed 2.75"
* In the front of the car, the center point must be the farthest forward point of the car. In other words, when the car is placed in the starting block, no element of the car will protrude beyond the pin.
* Length shall not exceed 7"
* Minimum width between wheels shall be 1.75" so car will clear center guide strip on the track.* Minimum distance between the bottom of car and track shall be 3/8" so car will clear the center guide strip on track. The distance also applies to any protrusion from the bottom of the car, such as weights.
WEIGHT AND APPEARANCE
* Weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The readings of the official race scale will be considered final. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of other materials provided they are securely build into the body or firmly affixed to it. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.
* Only official BSA pinewood derby kits can be used (yellow pine only). Cars from other sources will not be allowed.
* Mercury shall not be used. It is a health hazard.
* Details, such as steering wheels, driver, spoiler, decals, painting, exterior and interior details, are permissible as long as the car satisfies length, width, clearance, and weight specifications.
* Cars with wet paint or glue will not be accepted.
* The offical race team will attach a car number to the car using a small adhesive-backed label. The location for this number will be on the top of the car so that the official pinewood derby starter can easily identify the correct car and its proper direction of travel.
WHEELS AND AXLES
* The only wheels and axles allowed are the BSA official pinewood derby items.
* All wheels must have the original raised BSA - pinewood derby letters on the outside of the wheel and the original official BSA made in the USA on the inside of the wheel.
* The wheel surface may not be beveled or shaved.
* The axle grooves provided in the block of wood do not have to be used.
* The wheelbase may be extended, but the wheels may not extend past the front or rear of the car body.
* Wheel bearings, spacers, or bushings are prohibited.
* The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
* The car must be freewheeling with no starting device or other propulsion.
* Only official BSA axles can be used and they must be stock diameter.
* No wheel covers will be permitted.
INSPECTION AND DISPUTES
* The car must pass inspection by the official inspection team before it can compete. The inspection team has the right to disqualify those cars that do no meet these rules. Car owners will be informed of the violations and given the opportunity to modify the car to meet these rules. If the car cannot be modified to meet the rules, the car will not be allowed to run. No prizes or recognition will be awarded.
* Any participant or his parent has the right to appeal to the race committee for an interpretation of these rules. The race committee, by majority vote, will be the final judge of these rules. In case of a tie vote, the decision of the assistant cub master will be final.
AWARDS
* Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for the pack and the 1st place design winner.
* Medals will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each rank (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, & Webelos).
* Certificates will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place design winners for the pack.
* Honorable mention certificates may be issued at the discretion of the race committee.