Cars should be built by the scouts with some adult guidance. It is understandable if the adult needs to work the cutting tools and help with preparing and mounting the axles.
However, painting and decorating should be done exclusively by the child. The goal is not to have your son have the best looking or fastest car, but rather to have your son learn how to build things and to have pride in making something.
Need Help? Ask a scout leader if you need tools, guidance, or have questions. We are here to help.
These rules supersede any other rules, including those contained in the pinewood derby kit, found on web sites, or overheard in the St. Eugene’s parking lot. Please read and make sure that you understand all of the rules. Cars not meeting these specifications will not be able to race until corrections are made. A description of how the race will be run will be distributed prior to race day.
Car Building Tips
- Be creative and have fun!!
- Scouts should practice drawing their design on paper before the block is cut.
- Make the car as heavy as possible without going over the weight limit.
- Friction is evil…
- Smooth out ridges on axles and polish
- Use liberal amounts of graphite to lube the axles
- When your car is finished, roll it across the floor. If it doesn’t run straight, try to change the alignment so that it does.
Car Specifications
- Width: Overall width must not exceed 2-3/4”
- Height: Overall height must not exceed 2-1/2”
- Length: Overall length must not exceed 7”
- Minimum width between wheels: 1-3/4”
- Minimum bottom clearance between car and track: 3/8”
- Weight: Finished car must not weigh more than 5 ounces. If you can’t access a scale, don’t fret. We will have a weigh-in a few days before the race to let you weigh your car on the official scale. The weight shown on the official race scale is final.
- Wheels and Axles: Use only official wheels and axles provided in your kit. You may remove the molding seam on the tread of the tire. No other wheel changes are allowed. Washers, bushings, and bearings are prohibited.
- Lubrication: Use dry powder only. You may not use any other lubricant.
- Details: Any details such as adding on steering wheels, drivers, decals, paint, or other decorations are permissible as long as these details do not exceed specifications for weight and size.
- The car must be freewheeling with no staring devices. The car can’t ride on springs.
- Wheel axles must be seen from bottom of car, NO single axles allowed.