located in Oxford, Michigan
part of the Great Lakes Council, Pontiac-Manito District, Boy Scouts of America

Pack 108 Pinewood Derby Rules

Pack 108's rules are based on the GLC Pontiac-Manito District Rules.  Following the Pon-Man rules will assure your car is legal for the
Pon-Man District Pinewood Derby Race, when applicable.

A.  Only cars built from and according to specifications in the “Grand Prix” Pinewood Derby Kit and those below will be eligible for this race.  Cars from previous Pack 108 races may not be used.  The car must be built new for this year’s race.  Cars with plastic or other types of pre-fabricated bodies may not be used.

B.  There are maximum limits of 7" Length, 2¾" Width, and 5 oz. Weight.  {If you wish to run in the district pinewood derby, there is a 2¾" maximum Height requirement.} The original Wheel base of 4 3/8" (distance from front to rear axle) must be maintained, although it may be relocated.

C.  Axles: Only the axles (nails or the "new" BSA axle kits) provided in the kit may be used. Chroming, or any other type of special technical process, may not be used to apply a smooth finish substance to the nail or axle kits.  Axle spacing (wheelbase) of 4 3/8" inches must be maintained on all cars; however the location of the wheelbase  may be shifted.  Polishing is allowed and recommended.

D.  Details: Details such as a steering wheel, driver, decals, painting, and interior details are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, height and weight specifications and they are securely fastened with no moving parts.

E.  Detailing and weights may be added to the cars as long as they do not make it exceed dimensional or weight limits  and are not liquid or loose, so as to create a stored energy.  Cars with wet paint will not be allowed to race.

F.  Attachments: The car must be free-wheeling with no starting and or acceleration devices.

G.  Springs: The car shall not ride on any type of springs.

H.  Wheels: Wheels must be full width, as provided in the "Grand Prix Kit." (NOTE: Wheels with the raised lettering  are a bit difficult to fit into the track slots.) Wheels may not be tapered or re-formed so as to reduce the footprint of the wheel against the track surface (see diagrams for examples).  Wheels may be LIGHTLY sanded to remove burrs, but may not be shaped to provide a bevel, taper or  other modification.  Wheel seams may be removed from the wheel, as described in the kit, providing that the preceding rules are not violated.  No other modifications to wheels are permitted.

I.   Wheel bearings, washers or axle bushings of any type (including paper) are not prohibited.

J.   Axles: Only the axles (nails or the "new" BSA axle kits) provided in the kit may be used. Chroming, or any other type of special technical process, may not be used to apply a smooth finish to the nail or axle kits. Axle spacing (wheelbase) of 4 3/8" inches must be maintained on all cars; however the location of the wheelbase may be shifted.

K.   Dry powder lubricants, such as graphite, on wheel/axles are allowed and  recommended, but oils & greases may not be used.

L.  Staging: Cars shall have a leading edge which is flat and parallel with the axles.  The leading edge should be between ½" and ¾" inches above the track. Cars which "ride-up" on the staging pegs may be run backwards, modified to stage properly, or disqualified, at the judges’ discretion.  An electronic finish line will be used; therefore, it is recommended that extreme needle-nose designs be avoided.

M.  Adjustments: Once a car is registered, nobody may tamper with the car, except to repair broken parts or to correct rule violations at the repair station.  An adult is permitted to make the repair and/or correction.  Any adjustments must be made under the supervision of one of the race officials.

N.  Once a car passes inspection & weigh-in, it will be assigned a number.

O.  After inspection & weigh-in, his car will be impounded until after trophies are awarded.  No additional graphiting will be allowed and he may only be able to handle his car during his race heat, unless a wheel or axle is lost during one.  In this case, he & his pit crew will be allowed to make supervised repairs and rerun his car in a later heat.

P.   Each car will race three times, once on each lane of their track.  The three fastest average electronic times in each rank division will receive a trophy.

Q.  Everyone will have an opportunity to view all the cars prior to presentation of the participation trophies and picking up their cars.  Until then, only Race Officials are allowed in the impound area, to prevent any accidents from occurring to the other cars.

R.  Any disputes in the interpretation of these rules or inspection violations will be settled by a majority vote of the Race Committee.  In the case of a tie the Chairman’s decision is final.  Scouting teaches good sportsmanship and conduct.  Unsportsmanlike or disruptive conduct by participants or spectators may result in their expulsion from the competition.

S.  The Pack will send the top 5 finishers from each age group to the District Pinewood Derby Race if they choose to participate in the District race.
 

Last Updated: 02/08/2007