- A car may not be raced if it has been raced in the past.
- The main body of the car must be built from the wood provided in the kit. The block may be shaped any way as long as it meets the other rules. Other materials and items (decorations, weights, etc.) may be added as long as the car complies with the rules.
- All materials, including weights, must be secure, and may not be loose or moving during the race.
- The car weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces, as measured on the official race scale used by the inspection team.
- The car's paint must be dry prior to inspection.
- The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7.0 inches, as measured with the inspection box.
- The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2.75 (2 3/4) inches, as measured with the inspection box.
- The care must have at least 1.75 (1 3/4) inches clearance between wheels, as measured with the inspection track.
- The car must have at least .375 (3/8) inches clearance from the bottom of the car body to the bottom of the wheels, as measured with the inspection track.
- The wheels provided with the kit must be used. The only modification allowed to the wheel is to remove the molding seam from the car-side edge of the outer diameter. The wheels may not otherwise be cut, drilled, beveled, or rounded.
- The car may use the axle (nail) supplied with the kit or a one-piece axle (available at some craft or hobby shops). The only material removal allowed to an axle is the removal of the stamping burr near the head of the axle (nail).
- Axles may NOT be lubricated prior to inspection. Axles will be lubricated by the inspection team prior to racing.
- Wheel bearings, spacers, washers, or bushings may NOT be used.
- The car may NOT ride on any type of springs or suspension.
- The car must ride on all four wheels during the race.
- The car must be freewheeling. The car may NOT use any starting or propelling devices.
- The decision of inspectors and race officials are final and may not be appealed.
Additional rules and procedures:
- All cars must pass inspection prior to racing. Inspection time for the 2008 Pinewood Derby will start at 9:00 a.m; all cars must be submitted for inspection by 11:00 a.m. Cars may be adjusted (adding weight, etc.) and re-submitted for inspection up until 11:00 a.m. Each successfully inspected car will be marked accordingly and impounded until race time.
- Some tools, materials, weight, adhesives, and hardware will be available at the inspection station. Inspectors should not be expected to work on your car to get it through inspection.
- The race starter will ensure that all four wheels touch the track. If they do not, and the axles cannot be adjusted enough for all four wheels to touch the track, that car may be disqualified from competition at the discretion of the race starter.
- There will be a Pinewood Prep meeting scheduled in the OHES meeting room. All inspection devices will be available to check your car out early, and someone will be there who can help with questions or assembly. This will NOT be the official inspection.
Finally,
- Every year, there is at least one adult partner or parent who helps "too much" with a Scout's car. This is a great opportunity for the boys to express their creative side and constructive side. Please keep adult involvement to a level commensurate with your Scout's age (more with Tigers; little with Webelos).
- The internet has a LOT about how to build up a speedy Pinewood Derby car. Please keep this activity in context (it's for fun), and be reminded that OUR rules are what we follow.
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