Note: These rules are based on past Rules and Pack 954 Procedures.  These rules should be followed as close as possible.  When in doubt, use the following advice,  “If it does not specifically say it’s allowed in the rules, then it’s not allowed.

Length, Width, and Clearance

Cars must be built using the materials in the Official Pinewood Derby Kit (catalog # 1622). This includes the pinewood block, axles, and wheels. With the exception of decorative and construction items (weights, glue, lubricants, finishing materials), only materials from the official kit may be used. Separately purchased items (contoured pinewood bodies, machined wheels, polished axles) are specifically prohibited.

Maximum overall width (including wheels and axles) must not exceed 2 3/4".

Minimum width between wheels shall be 1-3/4" so the car will clear the center guide strip.

Minimum clearance between the bottom of the car and the bottom of the wheels shall be 3/8" so the car will clear the center guide strip. It is recommended that weights on the bottom of the car be inset so they are flush with the bottom of the wood block.

Maximum length of the car shall not exceed 7".

Maximum height of the car shall not exceed 5-1/2".

The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) may not be changed from the body kit distance of 4-1/4".

Cars may not protrude beyond the starting post.

Weight and Appearance

Weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces (141.7 grams). 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 wood or metal only, provided it is securely built into the body or firmly affixed to it. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.

Using tape (masking, scotch, etc.) to hold weights on the car is specifically prohibited.  However, double-sided tape is acceptable.

Details such as steering wheel, driver, spoiler, decals, painting, and interior details are permissible as long as the details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications.

Cars with wet paint will not be accepted.

Wheels and Axles

Only the official Scout Grand Prix wheels and axles can be used. Axles may be polished.  Solid axles are strictly prohibited.

Wheels may be lightly sanded to remove the mold projection on the tread. This light sanding is the only wheel modification allowed. Beveling or tapering of the wheels is prohibited.

Wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are prohibited.

Car shall not ride on any type of springs.

Cars must be freewheeling with no starting device or other propulsion.

Lubrication

Only dry powdered lubricants, such as graphite, may be used. Regular oils and silicon sprays may soften the plastic wheels.

Cars may be lubricated before inspection. No other lubrication will be permitted. The only exception to the preceding is that owners of cars in the Pack Finals are allowed to add graphite prior to the Finals.

Race Day

Cars will be inspected during registration on Race Day for compliance to the specifications.

Each car must pass inspection by the Official Inspection Team before it may compete. The Inspection Team has the right to disqualify cars that do not meet these rules. Car owners will be informed of any violations and given an opportunity to modify the car to meet these rules.

Cars can be re-inspected at any time. If the car does not meet specifications, it must be brought into compliance before its next scheduled race or be disqualified. A minimum of five minutes will be allowed a participant (or his designated adult) to bring his car into compliance.

Any participant (including a parent/guardian of a participant) has the right to appeal to the Judging Committee for an interpretation of these rules. The Judging Committee, by majority vote, will be the final interpreter of these rules. In case of a tie vote, the decision of the Race Committee Chairperson will be final.

Ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct by any participant or member of the audience could be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area.

The Race

The race is open to all Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts registered in Pack 954.

Cars must have been made for this race. Cars must be built after November 2005 for entry in the January 2006 Pack 954 Pinewood Derby. Cars made for prior races are not allowed.

Only race officials will be permitted in the track area. This rule will be strictly enforced.  Please help with the enforcement of this rule.

If a car suffers a mechanical problem during a heat (loses an axle, breaks a wheel, etc.), the participant or a designated adult will have up to five minutes to fix the car. The heat will be rerun.

If a car suffers a mechanical problem after a heat, the participant or a designated adult will have five minutes or until its next scheduled heat to fix the car. The heat will not be rerun.

The winner of the heat will be determined by the official track judges.

A timer will be used to assist track judges in determining the first, second, and third place for each heat. 

A judge will read the results on the timer and place the cars in the appropriate first, second, or third place slot for return to the starting area. 

The race will follow a double elimination format. 

The first third of the cars eliminated as a result of two third place finishes will form a Division B.

At this point the cars in Division B will compete in a single elimination contest for first and second place within Division B.

We will then return to the double elimination format for the remaining cars (two thirds) until a first, second, and third place overall is determined.  

Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 overall finishers, first and second place within Division B, the Fastest Tiger Cub, and several special trophies/awards.

Proxy Racing

Boys who are unable to appear at the Pack 954 Pinewood Derby due to schedule conflicts may still participate through a proxy. The proxy may be an adult leader, parent or guardian, sibling, or another Cub Scout.