Chattahoochee Council Pinewood Derby Rules

All Pack, District, and Council races follow the official BSA Pinewood Derby kit rules. These rules also apply to Open and Parent/Sibling races.

Car Requirements

• Official BSA kit only (body, wheels, axles)
• Non-BSA kits will be disqualified.
• Must be built during the current Scouting year
• Must be gravity-powered (no propulsion devices)

Size Limits

• Length: Max 7 inches
• Width: Max 2.75 inches
• Width between wheels: At least 1.75 inches
• Height: Max 4 inches
• Bottom Clearance: At least 3/8 inch

Weight

• Maximum 5 ounces
• No loose materials
• Only wood or metal may be added for weight
• All additions must be securely attached

Wheels & Equipment

• No washers, bushings, bearings, or springs
• Only dry graphite lubricant allowed
• No oil-based lubricants (Krytox, Ny-Oil, WD-40, etc.)

Details

• Decorations are allowed
• Must stay within size and weight limits
• No loose parts

Race Day Procedures

• Cars must pass inspection before racing
• Once inspected, cars are impounded (no further changes)
• All cars race in all lanes
• No late entries once racing begins
• Winners determined by lowest total elapsed time
• Race officials have final decisions
• If a car leaves its lane or interferes, the heat may be rerun.

Advancement

District Race

• Top 3 per den per Pack advance
• Must race the same car
• No modifications after Pack win
• Cars will be reinspected

Council Championship

• Top 3 per den per District advance
• Cars are secured after District race
• Same race procedures apply (no additional check-in)