Rules, Regulations, and Important Information
The Most Important Rule of the Derby: Have Fun!!
However, to ensure all racers have an equal opportunity to grab the win, there are a few specifics required to enter.
**Please note: Good Sportsmanship must be shown to all participants during all Derby related events!**
Rules and Regulations vary by Division of Entry - Please find your Division and/or add-ons(below) to determine your specific rule set(s).
Registration and Entry Fee with valid Email Address is Required for all Racers. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online Registration is Required. A Car Building Kit is included for all registered racers* and will be available for pick up at the First Christian Church Meeting Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm after Registration is validated.
Entry Fee for all Racers (except Corporate Cup) is $30. The fee covers the cost of entry and event fees, and includes your Build Kit*, Pit Pass, and FREE access to all Scout Build Nights!
*Building Kit optional for Outlaw and Alumni Divisions
Race Entry Types
Youth Division
Ages 5-15
Calling all Kids! Come on down and Design, Build, and Style your very own Derby Car to Race against your peers!
Car must be made from kit provided
Build must follow the Standard Scout Rules (download below)
Race heats will be randomized by age group as entries allow
All cars must be inspected and checked in by race officials the day before race day
Adult Division
Ages 16+
Are you a kid-at-heart? Want to see which family member can design the fastest car? Care to dare someone to a Race duel? Come try your luck at the track!
Car must be made from kit provided
Build must follow the Standard Scout Rules (download below)
Race heats will be randomized by age group as entries allow
All cars must be inspected and checked in by race officials the day before race day
Alumni Division
Ages 5+
Was your car the fastest back-in-the-day? Think it still could be? Dust it off that old shelf and grab the graphite, it’s time to see if those wheels still got it!
Bring your own car from a previous Cub Scouts race OR Scout Alumni can Build your own
Car does not have to follow the Standard Cub Scout Rules, but must pass a roll test
Race heats will be randomized
All cars must be inspected and checked in by race officials the day before race day
Other Ways to Play…
Outlaw Division
Ages 5+
Are you someone who doesn’t always want to play by the rules? Would you rather “Go Rouge” and add your own flare? Then this is the division for you! Think outside the box, get creative, and surprise us (and the crowd) with your win!
Some rules still apply - download the Outlaw Scout Rules for more details
Race heats will be randomized as available by entries
Build does not need to be made from the kit provided (but can be, as determined by the racer)
All cars must be inspected and checked in by race officials the day before Race Day
Corporate Cup Division
Ages 5+
An exclusive race just for our local and surrounding business owners or their chosen racer! Own a business and want to race for bragging rights in town? Know a kid or kid-at-heart that would love to win you those bragging rights? Enter this race and challenge to win the “Corporate Cup Trophy” - yours to display for the whole year! ($200 Add-On)
This race will follow the Standard Scout Rules (See below or click the download button)
Race heats will be randomized as available by entries
Build must be made from the kit provided
All cars must be inspected and checked in by race officials the day before Race Day
Other Registration Options
“Beat the Cub Master Challenge” - $10 Add-On: Think you have what it takes to top the best of the best? Compete against Cub Master Phil and see if you can beat a professional Derby Racer*
*Add-on must be selected during Registration
Official Derby Rules*
Standard Scout Rules
1. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
2. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
3. The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
4. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.
5. The car height must not exceed 3 inches
❋ Derby Car Dimensions
1. All Racers must have their car inspected during the Inspection window on August 7th.
2. An Official Race Number will be assigned to each car when you receive your Pinewood Derby Car box.
3. The Official Race Number should be visible on the car at Inspection, if not then it will be added by Race Officials how and where they choose.
4. The assigned Race Number can be incorporated into your decorations or with stickers provided with kit.
5. Modifications to the car cannot be made AFTER the car has been checked-in.
❋ Inspection Requirement
1. Each race will rotate the cars through each lane for each heat. The track has six lanes.
2. Winners will be determined by the lowest combined (added) time for each heat.
3. First, second, and third place will be recognized for each category; youth and adult.
❋ Race Schedule and Heats:
❋ Derby Car Modifications
1. The official pinewood block must be used. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired within the dimensions specified above.
2. Official Scouts BSA wheels must be used (the ones that came in the kit). The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
3. The axles which came with the kit must be used; they may be polished and lubricated with graphite ONLY.
1. The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
2. The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.
❋ Derby Car Weight
1. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
2. Once a car passes inspection and is checked in for the race, only race committee members may touch it. Alterations/adjustments to the car may not be made after it has been checked-in.
3. If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make repairs. Cars that jump the track may be disqualified to protect other cars racing.
4. Derby Inspectors have the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.
5. Derby Inspectors may also disqualify racers for poor sportsman-like conduct at their discretion.
❋ Race Day Rules
Outlaw Rules
❋ Outlaw Car Modifications
Allowed Modifications
Aftermarket wheels
Bearings
Modified wheels
Aerodynamics
Extended wheelbase
Custom weights
Custom body material
Not Allowed Modifications
Springs
Motors
Magnets touching track
Propulsion devices
Liquids or Powders on Track
1. The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
2. The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
3. The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.
❋ Outlaw Car Dimensions
Cars must pass a roll test. If the car damages the track or jumps lanes, it is disqualified
An Official Race Number will be assigned to each car after you register or receive your Pinewood Derby Car box.
The Official Race Number should be visible on the car at Check-in, if not then it will be added by Race Officials how and where they choose.
The assigned Race Number can be incorporated into your decorations or with stickers provided with kit.
Modifications to the car cannot be made AFTER the car has been checked-in.
❋ Inspection Requirement
1. The car shall not exceed 6.0 ounces.
2. The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.
❋ Outlaw Car Weight
1. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
2. Once a car passes inspection and is checked in for the race, only race committee members may touch it. Alterations/adjustments to the car may not be made after it has been checked-in.
3. If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make repairs. Cars that jump the track may be disqualified to protect other cars racing.
4. Derby Inspectors have the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.
❋ Race Day Rules
Each race will rotate the cars through each lane for each heat. The track has six lanes.
Winners will be determined by the lowest combined (added) time for each heat.
❋ Race Schedule and Heats:
* All Rules and Regulations subject to change. Race Officials have final say over each cars and will make every effort to ensure fair racing for all. Entry slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.