Pack 995 Pinewood Derby Official Rules


1 GENERAL RULES 

1.1 Qualification 

All registered Cub Scout Tigers, Cubs, Webelos Scouts, Cub parents and Cub siblings may design, build and enter cars that are eligible to participate in the Cub Scout Race event and the Cub Scout Show/Design event. 

1.2 Essential Materials 

All cars entered shall be constructed from the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit (available at the Scout Shop and referred to below as the kit) as distributed directly by Cub Scout Packs 995 and the Boy Scouts of America Supply Division. Additional kits may be purchased from the Scout Shop, Pleasant Hill, CA or from the Pack. Kits may be purchased elsewhere if they are of the exact type manufactured for the BSA as specified above. 

1.3 Competitor Categories 

The Cub Pack Racing Committee reserves the right to modify race groups in light of the number of entries. 

Race: Cub Scouts will compete with others of the same Cub Scout rank. The overall rank winners will move onto the Pack finals. Parents & Siblings will compete in their own categories and will not be eligible to move on to the overall Cub Scout Pack finals. 

Design: Cub Scouts will compete with others of the same Cub Scout rank. Non-competing, neutral judges will judge entries. Parents & Siblings entrants will be judged separately in their own respective category. 

1.4 Attendance 

The Cub Scout, their parent, or another designated adult, MUST register the Cub Scout’s car the night before the event. You do not need to be present on race day to compete.

1.5 "New Work" 

Construction of ALL entries MUST have begun DURING the current Scouting year. Last (or previous) Scouting year's cars are not acceptable. 

1.6 Single Entry per Person 

Only one car may be registered per named person for any and all events. 

1.7 Impounding

Each car must pass a technical inspection before it may compete. This activity is called Impounding. This activity will be scheduled in the week prior to the race day and ill be announced a few weeks in advance. Each registered car will receive a car number at final check-in and will be impounded. The organization team will hold on to the car until the race day. No car may be altered in any way after it has been impounded.


1.8 Late Registration and Inspection 

Late registration may be permitted only at Racing Committee discretion.


1.9 Failure to Pass Inspection 

The Inspection Committee shall disqualify cars that do not meet the rules as described herein. If a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason a car did not pass. Cars that fail the initial inspection may be modified and re-inspected as long as it is within the inspection/registration timeframe listed in 1.7 above. 

1.10 Impound 

No car may be altered in any way after it has been registered. After a car passes registration the Racing Committee will store it until competitions begin. 

1.11 Car Design Rules Interpretation 

Interpretation of the rules described in 1.1 through 1.13, and 2.1 through 2.12 are at the sole discretion of the Inspection Committee Judges present during the Registration and Inspection process. 

1.12 Race-Day Rules Interpretation 

On Race-Day, the Cub Scout must make all questions of rules interpretations and procedures to the Racing Committee or competition officials promptly. Decisions of competition officials on questions of rules interpretation and/or procedures are final. Note: Un-sportsmanlike conduct by any participant or spectator will be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area. 

1.13 Changes to the Rules 

The Cub Pack Racing Committee, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to modify these rules to ensure smooth conduct of the event. 

2 CUB SCOUT CAR DESIGN STANDARDS 

2.1 Material 

Race cars shall be constructed for this event from the parts contained in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit (referred to below as the kit) as sold by the Scout Shop, Pleasant Hill, CA or the Pack. Materials from the kit may be supplemented but not replaced. 

2.2 Size 

The maximum overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches. The maximum overall width (including wheels and axles) shall not exceed 2¾ inches and a maximum height of 4 inches as determined by the official gages during the Registration and Inspection process. Underside clearance of at least 3/8 inches and minimum inside wheel-to-wheel clearance of at least 1¾ inches is required to allow the car to clear the race track's center guide-strip. The wheel-base (distance between front and rear axles) must be exactly 4 3/8 inches. Adequate clearance is the responsibility of the racecar builder. 


IMPORTANT NOTE: Wood blocks supplied in the official kits are often slightly longer than 7 inches to allow for final shaping and sanding. Be sure to check the final dimensions of your car carefully. Do not assume that the dimensions of the block supplied in the kit will automatically be legal. 


2.3 Wheels and Axles 

The car shall roll on the wheels from the kit. The wheels shall turn about the axle nails from the kit. The axle nails shall be firmly affixed to the wood of the car body. The Cub may cut new axle slots (or drill new axle holes) in the original block from the kit. The original front axle to rear axle spacing of 4 3/8 inches must, however, be maintained. It must be obvious to the judges that the original groove spacing, wheels, and the nails from the kit are being used. The parent or scout must perform all polishing and finishing of wheels and axles. Commercially available pre-finished wheels and axles are not allowed; scout’s honor should apply. 

Axle nails must be mounted parallel to the track surface. Tilted or canted axles that cause the car to run on the edge of the wheels are not allowed. Wheels must run flat on the track surface. At least three wheels must be in contact with the track surface at all times as the car rolls. 


2.4 Wheel Treatment 

Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing and polishing) may neither result in substantial removal of mass, nor in reducing the wheel width or diameter from the original kit wheels. Some of the original "tread marks" on the wheel face must remain intact, i.e. apparent to the inspector (“Tread marks” are the small zigzag lines visible at the very outer edges of the wheel when it is viewed parallel to the axle line). Wheels may not be machined or sanded to a beveled condition. At least 80% of the original wheel width must contact with the track surface, and the portion of the wheel surface that contacts the track must remain parallel to the axle. The hub through which the axle nail passes cannot be shortened. The area between the hub and contact surface of the wheel cannot be drilled or otherwise opened. Unless it is very obvious, the diagram (2.4.1) shows wheel treatments that are NOT allowed. (Note: This rule does not apply to cars entered in the Design/Show event only.) 

2.4.1 Wheel Treatment Diagram

The following diagram shows wheel treatments which are not allowed for scouts.

2.5 Weight 

Racecars may weigh no more than five (5.0) ounces (total weight) as determined on the official scales during the pre-race check-in. 

2.6 Weights and Attachment 

Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements. "Weight" is considered to be any material on the car that is not provided in the kit. All weight must be securely fastened to the car, e.g. by permanent glue, nails or screws, but not by "sticky substances", e.g. tape, or tack spray (Stick-on weights are permitted). Weights shall be passive, i.e. non-moveable, non-magnetic, non-electric, non-sticky, etc. 

2.7 Unacceptable Construction 

Hubcaps, washers, inserts, sleeves, and bearings may NOT be used in conjunction with the wheels and/or axles. (Note: This rule does not apply to cars entered in the Design/Show event only.) 

2.8 Gravity Powered 

The racecar may not be constructed or treated in such a way that the track's starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car. For instance, this provision disqualifies cars with sticky substances on the front of the car and protrusions, which may catch on the starting pin. No portion of the car may protrude in front of the starting pin when the car is placed on the starting line. (Note: This rule does not apply to cars entered in the Design/Show event only.) 


2.9 Lubricants 

Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered Teflon (white lube) will be allowed for lubricating the wheels. Lubricants may not foul the track. Lubrication shall occur prior to check-in by the car owner only. Any lubrication must be done by the car owner (per the rules) before inspection and impounding. Race officials (Starter Team, Trackmaster) shall not perform any wheel lubrication to any cars registered to race in the event. (Lubrication is not required for cars entered in the Design/Show only event.) 

2.10 Exceptions for DESIGN Cars Only 

Technical Standards from the above rules (except as noted) apply to all design/show cars with the following exceptions: The block of wood from the kit, or portions thereof, must be prominent in the design. "ADD-ONS" are not restricted. Special, decals, decorations, etc. are allowed. Wheels must be from the kit but the axle nails from the kit need not be used. 

2.11 Sibling Category



2.12 Exceptions for Adult Category



3 CONDUCT OF THE RACE AND SHOW EVENTS 

3.1 Rewards and Recognition 

All cars will be judged together by rank for:

The award categories categories may be adjusted each year. The award categories are: 


3.2 The Show (Design) Event 

Cars will be displayed for judging, side by side in assigned spaces on display tables, grouped with their competitors. Cars will be judged based on the skill displayed in each car's unique design. Careful consideration will be given to the creativity expressed in the car's appearance and the technical merit expressed in the car's design. 

3.2.1 Show Competition Judges 

A team of impartial judges chosen by the event committee will judge all show/design entrants. 

3.3 The Race Event 

Competition will consist of Lane Rotation Method within each rank level, where each car runs on every lane to insure fairness. Top finishers from each rank (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos I and II combined) will advance to a Final round using the same Lane Rotation Method to determine the Grand Champion. Adult and Siblings category will not participate in this Final round. Track officials are responsible for the proper conduct of the races and may modify the race method as determined by time constraints for the event. 

3.3.1 Inspection Gages 

The race-day "Pit Stop" area will have the official scale and length box. The check-in equipment will be the official equipment for the race. The same 5 oz. Master Weight used for scale calibration in pre-race check-in will also be available on race day. Please stress this fact to all Cub Scouts. They should be prepared to make adjustments to their cars if necessary. 

3.3.2 Race Day Lubrication 

In the interest of fairness, lubrication shall occur prior to check-in by the car owner only. Any lubrication must be done by the car owner (per the rules) before inspection and impounding.


3.3.3 Car Handling Responsibility 

Scouts shall be responsible for lubrication prior to final check-in at time of registration. The “Starter Team” will stage cars on the tracks. 


3.3.4 Car Leaves Lane 

If, during a race, a car leaves its lane but proceeds down the track in a manner that does not interfere with its opponent, then the race will be called normally. If the car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, the race will be re-staged and re-run. If the same car again leaves it's lane and interferes with another car that car will be judged last place, and the race will be re-staged and re-run without that car. 

3.3.5 Car Repair (Without Fault) 

If, during the race, a wheel falls off or the car becomes otherwise damaged, then the SCOUT may, to the best of his ability perform repairs with the assistance of their adult partner or Pit Crewmember. 

3.3.6 Car Repair (With Fault) 

If a car is damaged due to track fault, or damage caused by another car or person, then the Trackmaster, at their sole discretion, may allow additional repair assistance to the Cub. 

3.3.7 No Finishers 

If, during a race, no car reaches the finish line on the track, the car that went the farthest in its lane shall be declared as the heat winner. 

3.3.8 Track Champion 

The Champion car from each rank level shall be moved from the track to the Finals staging area by race staff only. The car will be impounded in the staging area until the start of the Finals. 

3.3.9 Track Fault 

If a car leaves its lane, at their sole discretion, the Trackmaster may inspect the track and, if a track fault is found which probably caused the initial violation; the Trackmaster may order the race to be rerun after the track is repaired. 

3.3.10 The Race Area 

Only race officials may enter the track area. This rule will be strictly enforced. 

4 THE RACING ENVIRONMENT 

4.1 Track Length and Drop 

Cub Packs 995 use one of the officially recognized Pinewood Derby competition tracks: BestTrack™ four lane aluminum surfaced tracks: The track shall have a racing surface (starting line to finish line distance) of approximately 28 feet with a drop of approximately 4 feet. 


4.2 Track Slope 

The track's slope shall decrease from approximately 30-45 degrees at the starting line to approximately 0 degrees at the finish line. 

4.3 Lanes 

Each lane on both tracks will consist of a straight, smooth center guide-strip approximately 1.50 (1½) inches, but certainly less than 1.75 (1¾) inches, wide and approximately 0.25 (¼) inches, but certainly less than 0.375 (3/8) inches thick, centered on a smooth surface no less than 4 inches wide. Each racecar shall straddle such a strip during its heats. 


4.4 Starting Mechanism 

The "starting lines" shall consist of vertical pins of approximately 0.25 (¼) inch diameter, extending approximately 1 inch above the track surface and approximately centered in the each lane. 

4.5 Finish Line Sensor Location 

The track will utilize electronic “finish line sensors” that shall be in alignment with the corresponding starting line pin and be approximately centered in its lane. 

4.6 Finish Line Judging 

In the case of mechanical difficulties, an impartial Finish Line Judge shall be at station to observe each heat, on each track. Otherwise, heat finish judging will be determined by the finish line sensor. 

4.7 Finish Line and Race Starter Judge Backups 

The Finish Line and Race Starter Judges will temporarily excuse themselves if they know that one of the heat contestants is a child or relative. Backup Finish Line Judges shall be available in case a judge needs to be excused for any reason. 

4.8 The "Big Boards" 

Each electronic finish line sensors will be connected to a computer that will collect and display results on a large projection screen at the base of the track. We will be using either GrandPrix Race Manager or DerbyMaster software to manage the race results. 

4.9 Finish Line Electronics Sensitivity 

Track Finish Line Electronics must trigger correctly if a pencil is passed 0.75 (¾) inches above the track surface at a speed of 15 feet per second. 

4.10 Finish Line Clearance 

Track Finish Line Electronics and other track accessories must be no closer than 4.50 (4½) inches above the track. 

5 SPECIAL NOTES TO ALL CONCERNED 

The Pinewood Derby event is a parent (or adult partner) and Cub event, and is recommended as such by the Boy Scouts of America. The Pinewood Derby Committee STRONGLY SUGGESTS that each parent emphasizes the following points with your child: 

5.1 Learn the craft skills necessary to build a car. 

The first thing to remember about sportsmanship is that everyone's skills are a little different. You may be good at something like singing or drawing, but not as good at something else like basketball or computers. Parents have different skill levels, too. This doesn't mean that you are a good person one time and not good another time. Remember, you and your friends are individuals first and car builders second. 


5.2 Rules must be followed. 

Without rules, there would be no Pinewood Derby. You will never know if you are really good at doing something unless you follow the rules. This is often called being honest. 


5.3 Behavior and sportsmanship. 

There are winners and losers in every competition. You accept this when you choose to compete. There may be times when you win and feel happy, and times when you lose and feel unhappy. Being a winner is easy, and losing is sometimes hard. If you win, you must not brag or gloat. If you lose, you must not feel jealous or bitter. To be a good sportsman, you must be able to say, "I did my best" and be satisfied with the results. You must also be able to appreciate and feel happy for someone else when they run a good race or build a neat car.