Pinewood Derby Guide

Understand the rules for your race.  

Pack 1859 generally only checks the weight and ground clearance of the car, however if you qualify for the Sully District Race your car will be subject to the following rules:

  • Maximum weight: 5.0 ounces

  • Maximum length: 7 ⅛ inches

  • Maximum width: 2 ¾ inches

  • Maximum height: 3 ⅛ inches

  • Minimum wheel spacing: 1 ¾ inches at the axles

  • Minimum ground clearance: ⅜ inch

  • Wheelbase: 4 ⅜ inches, the pre-cut slots are correctly spaced, but need not be used

  • Must use all four BSA provided wheels and axles

  • Only dry lubrication is permitted

How the race is conducted

  • Scouts race in divisions based on their rank, except for the final “fastest in the pack race” among the first place finishers.

  • The race is run in heats, each car will be run on each lane of the track once. Four times overall.  A car that does not make it to the finish line is deemed to have run at 9.999 seconds.

  • Timing the race is done by computer.  The computer will add the times for your car from each heat, dropping the slowest time.  

  • The winner is the car with the lowest total time.

  • Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for each rank.

  • The top three finishers for each rank qualify for the Sully District race. Alternates are selected from the runners up.

  • We also have a division for parents and siblings.

Tips for Building Your Car

  • Weight is the single biggest factor for building a fast car. You want to get it as close as possible to 5.0 oz.

  • The second factor is the placement of the weight.  Generally the rear of the car is better, with the center of gravity about an inch in front of the rear wheels.

  • There are many kinds of weights available for purchase.  Lead fishing weights are inexpensive and can be found in many stores.  Tungsten is much denser, but also much more expensive. Zinc and steel are also popular materials and are found at Lowes, Home Depot and Michaels.

  • Preparing the axles is important.  The nails that come with the BSA kit usually have a burr at the top, just under the head.  Use a file to grind it off.

  • Use a dry lubricant, such as graphite, on the wheel axles.

  • Wood putty and wood glue can fix almost any mistake.

  • There are many Internet sites that provide good advice and tips for building your car.

Supplies that you will need

  • General household tools, hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, depending on the design of your car.

  • Coping saw with extra blades

  • Sand paper

  • Metal file

  • Wood glue

  • Power drill (the only power tool you really need)

  • Wood putty

  • Graphite

  • Safety glasses

General Guidelines for Young Scouts

  • The abilities of every scout are different.

  • A tiger scout may not have the strength to saw through a thick section of wood.  

  • They can certainly help hold parts down, and can do a lot of sanding.

  • Painting the car is a fun activity.

  • Power tools are not recommended for use by the scout

  • Strive for a 50/50 split on the work

General Guidelines for Older Scouts

  • Let them do most of the planing, make them explain their decisions

  • The work should be 70/30 or 80/20 in favor of the scout, with the adult watching for safety and providing guidance.

  • Power tools should only be used after training and under adult supervision.