Pack 48 - Official Rules
Eligibility
- All car kits must be obtained from Pack 48 to ensure they are compatible with Pack 48 track. Cars purchased through other methods will not be allowed register or race.
- All active scouts will receive 1 official Pinewood Derby kit from Pack 48 at no charge.
- ANYONE may race in Open Class. A limited number of additional Pinewood Derby Car Kits are available for $6 each.
- Cars are to be customized/built by scout for den eligibility. Adult support is allowed – but adults should not be making the car for the scouts.
- All cars must be presented on Friday night for registration and inspection. Cars need to be presented by scout and need a car name.
- All cars must be a new build for this event. It cannot be made or raced for previous events.
Length, Width, & Clearance of your handcrafted masterpiece
1. Maximum overall width (including wheels and axles) shall not exceed 2 ¾”
2. Maximum length shall not exceed 7 ½”
3. The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) may not be changed.
4. Minimum clearance between the bottom of car and track shall be 3/8” so car will clear center guide strip.
5. Race car must not exceed a maximum height of 6 inches, including attachments. This will allow the race car to clear the Finish Line Frame.
Note: The dimensions above will be strictly enforced. Cars that do not meet the parameters described above will need to be modified accordingly to race.
Weight & Appearance
1. Weight shall not exceed 6.0 ounces as determined by the Pack 48 official scale. For cars racing in OPEN CLASS, weight shall not exceed 10.0 oz.
2. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal only, provided it is securely built into the body or firmly affixed to it. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car.
3. Details such as steering wheel, driver, spoiler, decals, painting, and interior details are permissible as long as these details do not exceed the maximum length, width, and weight specifications.
4. Cars with wet paint will not be accepted.
Wheels & Axels
1. Only wheels and axles distributed in the kit may be used.
2. Wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are prohibited.
3. The car shall not ride on any type of spring.
4. The car must be freewheeling with no starting device or other propulsion.
Lubrication
1. Only dry powdered lubricants, such as graphite, may be used. No regular oils or silicone sprays may be used. Craft stores carry graphite for Pinewood race cars.
2. Cars may be lubricated before inspection and check-in.
Ground Rules
1. The race is open to all scouts registered in the pack. Open class is designated for any family or friends of active scouts.
2. Cars must have been made for this race. Cars made for previous derby races are not eligible.
3. The race is a LADDERLESS ELIMINATION race method by Den. Points are accumulated after each heat. First place gets 0 points, second place 1 point, third place 2 points, etc. A car is eliminated when the defined point level is accumulated. The race winner is the last car that has not been eliminated. The top two finishers from each Den will compete for an overall speed award.
4. If a car jumps the track, the heat will be run again.
5. If a car leaves its lane and interferes with another car, the heat will be run again.
6. If a car suffers a mechanical problem (e.g. loses a wheel, breaks an axel, etc.) a five minute period will be allowed to make repairs and the heat will be run again.
Inspections & Disputes
1. Each car must pass inspection by the Official Inspection Team at time of check-in.
2. Cars must check in during the scheduled weigh-in. Any cars checking in after the close of the scheduled weigh-in will not be eligible to race.
3. The Official Inspection Team has the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet these rules.
4. Car owners will be informed of the violations and given the opportunity to modify the car to meet these rules.
5. On race day all disputes will be settled by the race officials. .
Revised February 2022
Awards
1. Awards will be given at out at the end of Pinewood Derby event for Speed, Most Original, Most Realistic and Workmanship.
2. Most Original, Most Realistic and Workmanship awards will be determined by adult voting. All adults in attendance will be eligible to submit one ballot to vote at the Pinewood Derby.