Pinewood Derby Rules
Waco Section
Revised: January 7, 2003

 

1. All cars that are being entered in the Pinewood Derby (except those entering the outlaw competition) must meet the following specifications:

Maximum Length (including attachments	7 1/2”
Maximum Width	2 ¾”
Maximum Height	3”
Maximum Weight	5 ½ oz.
Minimum Under-Car Clearance	3/8”
Minimum Distance Between Wheels	1 ¾”

The cars can be made from any kit as long as it meets the above specification. Cars to be eligible for speed or style must fit on and roll down the track without interfering with any other car. The contestant must use all parts provided in the kit for their intended purpose.

 

2. There will be two classifications for cars in the speed competition: regulation and outlaw. The size and weight restrictions will be set by the official Royal Ranger kit (weight is restricted to 5 ½ ounces for regulation cars). The official weight of each entry will be determined on the Waco Sectional scales at the time of registration. Cars over the official weight may either be modified to get down to the official weight, or may race in the outlaw class. The rules for the outlaw class are that the car cannot harm the track in any way, and it must not interfere with any other car.

 

3. The judging of cars for style will be based on the originality, quality of workmanship, attention to detail, and the extent to which the work reflects the work of the boy rather than an adult. Offensive or questionable decals or artwork will not be permitted on any cars.

 

4. Cars for any classification of competition should have been built by the boy himself, or by the boy and an adult. No car should be entered in competition that does not reflect, to some extent, the work of the boy. The older the boy, the greater the percentage of the work that should have been done by him rather than an adult. The same guideline applies to commanders C cars entered by commanders should reflect the work of that adult.

 

5. Graphite will be the only lubricant allowed for regulation cars. Outlaw cars can have any lubricant as long as it will not harm the track.

 

6. For regulation cars, no modifications will be allowed to the axles or wheels, other than sanding the wheels. No coverings may be placed on the wheels (the nail should be visible for inspection). Wheels may not be machined in any way to reduce the diameter of the wheel, or to reduce the amount of the wheel that is in contact with the track. Any car not meeting these specifications must compete as an outlaw.

 

7. Once the car has been registered no additional work may be done to the car.

 

8. Outlaw cars cannot be entered in regular competition. The specifications in number one are waived for this category. However the car must fit on the track without interfering with any other car. No car should weigh more than 32 oz. No car may exceed 12” in length. All other pinewood derby rules apply.

 

9. Starting with the Fall 1993 Pinewood Derby, all judging of races will be done electronically. Each car will race the same number of times, and will race in each of the three lanes on the track. A computer will keep track of the times in each race, and will determine the winners in each category by averaging the time for each car in each race. The car with the lowest average time will be the winner. Note that this means that the double elimination system used in the past will no longer apply.