The Pinewood Derby is the "classic" Cub Scout event.  Boys (ahem...yes, Dad, the boys) build and design cars that race on a gravity track.  Races are electronically timed and run multiple heats until all but three cars are eliminated.  A final race is run to determine the rankings of the three finalists.  Cars are raced by rank, but we do crown a Pack Champion by racing off the winning car in each rank. Adults are invited to build cars for a special "alternate" race event.  

Design rules are strictly enforced in compliance with the Boonslick Derby Day guidelines.  Cars must pass inspection before being allowed to race.  The specifications below come from the 2007 District Derby.

Kit cars other than Official BSA kits are strictly forbidden and will be disqualified. The pack provides one BSA car kit to each Scout.

MECHANICAL DETAILS:

CARS ENTERED FOR RACE OR SHOW MUST USE MATERIALS FROM AN OFFICIAL BSA KIT. CAR KITS FROM HOBBY LOBBY OR ANY OTHER SOURCE ARE PROHIBITED AND WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. The pinewood block, nail type axles, and solid plastic wheels used to construct the basic car. The car must be essentially materials from the official kit. Details may be added to enhance car appearance.

WIDTH/LENGTH: Overall width shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches.  Overall length shall not exceed 7 inches.

WEIGHT: Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.

CHASSIS: Inside distance between wheels shall be 1 3/4 inches min., 2 inches max. There shall be at least 3/8 inches ground clearance.  No part of the car may extend past the STARTING GATE.  The Starting Gate extends 1 inch above the track and must contact the frontmost point of the car.

4.         WHEEL BEARINGS:  Washers, bushings, roller bearings, ball bearings, etc., are prohibited. Hub caps are allowed.

5.         WHEELS: Must be official BSA issue. The plastic partlines on the wheels  may be sanded to ensure that they are smooth.  However, the wheels may not be narrowed or otherwise significantly altered. Flat style wheels on running surface.

6.         SPRINGS: The car shall not ride on any type springs.

7.         ATTACHMENTS: The car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices.

8.         DETAILS: Details/accessories such as steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, interior detail are permissible, as long as, these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications. “Detailing” must not violate the spirit of the paragraph at the top of this section. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in the car. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal, provided it is securely attached to the body.

9.         LUBRICATION: Only dry powdered lubrication will be allowed on the car. Wet lubricants may soften the plastic wheels.

10.      SAFETY: For safety reasons, MERCURY will not be allowed.

OPERATIONS:

 11.      Orientation: The front of the car must be identified by placing an "F" on the underside of the car between the front wheels. Race officials are not responsible for incorrect placement of unmarked cars on track.

12.       Inspection:  Each car must pass inspection by the Official Inspection Committee before it may compete. The inspectors have the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet these specifications.

13.       Modifications: No alterations, lubrication, etc. will be permitted after the official inspection. Emergency repairs may be performed with the permission and supervision of the race officials.

14.       Protests: Any decision by the Committee will be final.  Any protests regarding any action by the people operating the Derby must be made immediately. If it is not done immediately, and in a sportsmanlike manner, the protest will not be accepted.

15.       Design judging will be by an outside group not associated with any Pack.

16.       Racing will be done on electronically timed tracks. Each car will run at least once on every lane provided. Each cars time is the sum of it’s runs.