It is very important to encourage your scout to do as much of the race car construction as possible. Of course parents should oversee all tool use and help when needed but the objective is to have the cars built primarily by the scouts themselves. Experience has shown us that cars that were not built by scouts stand out and cause friction between the other scouts and parents participating in the race. This race is for the scouts, if a parent really must build a car, build your own and race against Mr. Nick, don't loose this golden opportunity to help your scout to learn and grow and most importantly have that wonderful sense of accomplishment!

Pinewood derby race cars MUST be built following the following standards. The pit crew will attempt to help you correct any cars that do not fulfill standards so all racers have a fair chance of equal performance, exactly like a real race. Cars that deviate from standards and cannot be corrected will be disqualified on race day. Parents are responsible to understand and adhere to these standards completely. If you are not sure about a rule please contact a member of the race committee or the Cubmaster, Mr. Nick.

Cars must be built from the authorized kits provided by the pack. Additional or replacement kits are available from all Boy Scout outfitters like Clinton Canoe in Downtown Clinton. Replacement parts may only come from an official kit. Please note that Clinton Canoe may offer parts and accessories that are not authorized. Please be sure to follow these

Official Parts only. Cars must be built of the wood supplied in a kit, use the axles supplied in a kit and use the wheels supplied in a kit. Special axles, wheels or bodies may not be used.

Wheels. Wheels should not be modified in any way except for removing the mold marks on the riding surface. You may lightly sand off the mold marks only. You may not sand the wheel surface that rides on the track. You may not narrow, groove or modify the wheel dimensions. The hub side of the wheel may not be sanded or modified. You may not round the edges of the wheels. The use of wheel bearings, washers or bushings are also prohibited. You may not fill the wheels with any substance.

Axles. Axles (the nails provided in the kit) may not be modified in any way except for lightly filing and polishing to remove imperfections only. The axle may not be grooved and the car may not ride on springs or other such devices.

Lubrication. The use of powered graphite or other dry powered lubricant on axles and wheels is permitted - liquid lubricants are not allowed. We will have powered graphite available for your use on race day in the pit area. Lubricants may only be applied at home! (Graphite makes a real mess so that school does not want us to use it except for the final races. This means you need to apply your graphite before you get to the school!)

Weight. The maximum car weight is 5 ounces (141.75 grams). Please make sure your car is as close to 5 ounces as possible. It is preferred to fasten weights with screws so adjustments can be made in the pits. Arrive early so the Pit Crew can help adjust your weight if needed. Clinton Canoe has scales you can use to weigh your car prior to race day!

All parts of a car must be securely attached to the car including the weights. This can prevent falling debris from impacting the race or other cars.

Wheel position on the body. Axles MUST be mounted squarely into the slots precut into the wooden body. Lengthening or modifying the predetermined wheelbase of the kit is not permitted. Wheels may not be angled or canted. The ground clearance between the car and track must be at least 3/8 of an inch in order to clear the track. The front end of the car is where the axle slot is closest to the end although you may build your car backwards if you wish.

Customization Cosmetic details of the cars like steering wheels, fenders, drivers, paint or decals are fine as long as they do not violate the length, width, weight or other qualifying requirements listed here.

Car fronts must not extend beyond the starting line pegs. Cars may not have grooved, U shaped, raised or notched front ends that allow the front of the car to extend past the starting line when placed on the track.

Every racer must pass inspection by the official race committee. If a car fails to fulfill all requirements the cub will be told what modifications must be made in order to fulfill the rules. If issues arise between the cub and the race officials about any car that does not fulfill requirements, the Pack Cubmaster will make the final determination as to its acceptance.

Race times are listed on the first page of this document. Please be sure to show up at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled race time for registration and inspection. This is an official Pack event. All cubs and leaders should be in uniform.

Once a car is registered, inspected, weighed in and approved for racing it will be placed in a "garage area" in the pits and may not be handled again. Cars that make it to the finals may be allowed to add additional approved lubricants under the direction of the race committee in the pit area only.

If a car jumps the track or interferes with another racer during the race the track crew will determine if they wish to rerun the heat.

If a car breaks down the race will be held for five minutes to allow the owner to make repairs. If the car can be repaired, it will be weighed again and then the race can be rerun. If the car breaks down a second time or cannot be repaired it will be eliminated from the race.

A cub may not handle his car following weigh in and inspection. Finalist may be allowed to reapply graphite prior to the final race under the direction of the race committee in the pit area only.