Rules Summary

Back to Pinewood Derby home
Download detail rules

BLACKHAWK 500 PINEWOOD DERBY,
SUMMARY OF RULES FOR RACE DIVISION

Registration

• Only one car may be registered per scout.
• Building of the car must have begun during the current Scouting year.
• The car must be registered, pass inspection and impounded during the registration period to compete. No further modification or lubrication of the car is allowed after impounding.

Car specifications

• Width: 2.75" or less (including the wheels)
• Length: 7.00" or less
• Height: 4.00" or less (including all trim items)
• Under car clearance: 0.375” (3/8”) or more
• Inside wheel-to-wheel clearance: 1.75” or more
• Axle-to-axle spacing: 4.40" +/– 0.125"
• Car weight: 5.00 ounces or less

Building of cars

• ALL work (including improvements to wheels, axles, and car body) must be done by the scout and the parent (Akela). The intent is to have the scout build as much of the car as reasonably and safely as possible. The use of pre-shaped car bodies, machined wheels or axles acquired from the Internet or other sources is NOT allowed.

Materials

• Axles, wheels and body MUST be from the materials provided in the Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit.
• Additional trim items are allowed as long total weight doesn't exceed maximum weight and size.
• No loose materials (weights, characters or trim) are permitted. Weights must not move.

Wheels and axles

• Axle nails must be mounted parallel to the track surface. Wheels must run flat on the track surface. NO canting. Axle treatment is allowed (i.e. deburring/polishing).
• Wheel treatment is allowed (hub and tread smoothing/polishing) but it may NOT result in substantial removal of mass, or reduction in wheel width or diameter. At least 80% of the original wheel width must contact with the track surface. Wheel hub cannot be shortened or the diameter opened.
• The car must run on three or four wheels.
• Wheel hub caps, washers, inserts, sleeves, and bearings are NOT permitted.
• The car may not ride on springs or other suspension.

Gravity powered

• The car must be powered ONLY by gravity.

Lubricants

• Only dry lubricants are allowed. Lubricants may not foul the track.

This is a summary of rules for cars in the Race Division. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the Official Blackhawk 500 Pinewood Derby Rules, available on the website (www.blackhawk500.org/).

Version 1.00 (March 12, 2008)