Massabesic District

Pinewood Derby Race Car Rules

  Included with this package are the racing rules which your unit should follow.  Be sure you understand these rules, NOT those included with the official BSA kit,

Massabesic District Rules (detailed here) will be used for the District Derby.

Derby Car Specifications

 For those units who may not have had any experience with a pinewood derby race, it can be a great deal of fun and excitement for your pack.  It does require some care and study of the rules.   Hopefully this information will answer all of your questions.

The following are the Massabesic District Pinewood Derby Rules, please study them.  If you should have any questions, please call your District Activities Chairman or Pinewood Event Chairman.  Failure to follow the rules will cause disqualification of the entrant.

1. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:  This is your boy’s car.  Please supervise him while he makes it. DON’T MAKE IT FOR HIM.  He will only know how good a job he can do, if he makes his car himself.  If the car arrives at the district level, made from a non-BSA kit or obviously made by someone with skills beyond that of an 11 year old, it will be disqualified.  Help him to do his best.

THE BOY SHOULD MAKE A CAR  EACH YEAR.  ONLY A CAR MADE BY THE BOY IN THE CURRENT SCOUT YEAR WILL BE ACCEPTED.  THE BOY MAY NOT RACE A CAR THAT WAS MADE IN PREVIOUS YEARS OR BY SOMEONE ELSE

2.  DESIGNING  AND SHAPING THE CAR BODY:  The boy may develop any design he likes.  However, he may not start with a precut kit or any other non-BSA kit.  Only the Official kit is acceptable. Do not change the wheel-base or width of wood block at axle grooves.  After designing, boys should be closely supervised while cutting out their car using a table scroll saw or a coping saw.  No other adult operated power tools such as lathes or routers can be used. A boy who has earned his whittling chip may use his knife with supervision.  Sandpaper on a sanding block is the safest way for a young boy to shape his car.  The boy’s skill level should be considered when approving his design.

3.             WEIGHT:  The finished car can only weigh 5.00 ounces.  This could include any accessories on the car such as a steering wheel, hood ornament, windshield, etc.  Only lead and other metal weights may be used and must be securely fastened. No liquid metal weights such as mercury is allowed.  Weights should not extend below the bottom of the car.  Any weights used on the underside of the car must be recessed into and flush with bottom of the car body.