Southwest Suburban Section Open Pinewood Derby Rules

The Pinewood Derby is open to all Royal Rangers (boys and leaders) and others (parents, brothers, sisters, etc.) from the the Southwest Suburban Section. There will be three race categories – Ranger Boys, these are boys who are active members of an outpost; Ranger Commanders, these are Ranger leaders from an active outpost; and Open Class, this category is open to anyone who desires to race a car and is not a member of the other two categories. The registration fee and the rules promulgated here will be applied to all race categories.

The boys, with some adult guidance, should build the cars. To ensure a level playing field for all racers, these rules will be enforced without exception. Race Officials will conduct the registration, weigh-in, inspect, and supervise the lubrication of the cars.

Inspection
Each car must pass inspection by the Race Officials before it will be allowed to compete. If a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and may correct the problem during the official weigh-in time period. The Race Officials have the right to disqualify cars that do not meet these specifications. The decision of the Race Officials can be appealed to the Race Judges. The Race Judges are the Sectional Commander, Deputy Sectional Commander, and the Event Coordinator. The decision of the Judges is final in all matters.

Offical Car Kit
Only Official Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kits, obtained from the Boy Scouts, are permitted. Only cars built from these kits will be permitted to race. You must use the axles, wheels, and block of wood that is provided in the kit. Axles and wheels obtained from speed kits, or other places are prohibited – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Car Specifications

1. Width – The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches (including wheels).
2. Length – The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
3. Weight – The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces.
4. Width between the wheels shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches.
5. Bottom clearance between car and track – 3/8 inches
6. Axle Grooves – You must use the axle grooves that are pre-cut in the block of wood.
7. Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
8. Springing – The car shall not ride on any type of springs.
9. Details, such as the steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, and interior detail are permissible as long as they do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications.
10. Attachments – The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices,
11. The car must have been made during the current year. Cars raced in previous years are ineligible – a new car must be built each year.
12. All cars must pass inspection during the weigh-in time to qualify for the race.
13. No loose materials of any kind (such as lead shot) are allowed in the car.
14. Only dry lubricant is permitted.
15. You must race your own car and you must be present to race. Absentee racers are not permitted, nor are you permitted to race another’s car.

Race Day Procedure

1. Proceed first to the registration area and register your car.
   
2. After registration, take your car to the weigh-in and inspection area. Unregistered cars will not be weighed.
   
3. Once a car is weighed and inspected, you have one opportunity to apply dry lubricant under the supervision of race officals in the lube area. Once lubricated, the car is returned to the race officials and placed in its allotted position for the race.
   
4. Only Race Officials are permitted to handle the car once it is weighed and inspected. Changes made to a car after inspection will result in the car being disqualified from the race.

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