RACE SCHEDULE

Times are approximate and subject to change.

January 31, 2026

• Check-In:                         8:00am

• Opening Ceremony      8:30am

• Tiger:                                 9:00am

• Wolves:                             9:45am

• Bears:                                10:15am

• Webelos:                           11:00am

• AOL:                                    12:00pm

• PACK Finals:                     1:00pm

• Community:                      1:45pm

• TROOP:                               2:15pm

Theme:

This year’s theme is BACK IN TIME!! Build your best time machine or thing from the past.

Official Rules

Pack 603 Pinewood Derby

The official car of the Pack 603 Pinewood Derby is the “Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Car Kit”. The official kit will be distributed through each Den and additional kits may be purchased at the Council Scout Shop.

Each car must pass inspection by the Pinewood Derby Race Committee before it may compete. The race committee has the right to disqualify those cars that do not meet these specifications. In the event of a disagreement over the qualifications of any car, the Race Committee Chairperson will settle the dispute and his/her decision will be final. Lack of knowledge of the official rules will not be considered a valid argument for non-compliance. All entrants must comply with all of the rules, or they will be disqualified. Cars not meeting the specifications will be allowed to modify the car to meet the qualifications prior to registration.

Detailed Rules:

1. General

1. The rules are intended to maintain the competition at a level at which most boys are capable of achieving with minimal adult intervention.
2. In order to qualify for racing, car must be made with the entire Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Car Kit, including wheels, axles, and wood block.
3. Car must not have been made before June 1st of the prior year.

2. Weight and Appearance

1. Total weight of car may not exceed 5 ounces. The car may be hollowed out and built up to the maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal only, provided that it is securely built into the body of the car or firmly affixed to it.
2. No loose materials of any kind are permitted in or on the car. No mercury-weighted cars will be allowed.
3. Details such as steering wheel, driver, decals or painting are allowed, as long as these details do not cause the car to exceed the maximum weight, height, length, and width.
4. All cars may be re-weighed and/or re-inspected at any time for cause, which shall be at the sole discretion of the Race Committee.

3. Width, Length, Height and Nose Shape

1. Overall width shall not exceed 2¾ inches at the furthest horizontal protrusion, whether it is the body of the car, or the wheels. The area where the axles are inserted should be approximately 1¾ inches wide to ensure that the wheels will fit over the guide strip on the track.
2. Overall length of the car (measured from the furthest point forward to the furthest point rearward) shall not exceed 7 inches.
3. Overall height of the car shall not exceed 4 inches.
4. The wheelbase (distance between the centers of the front and rear axles) must measure between 4¼ and 4 5/8 inches. No extended wheelbase cars will be allowed.
5. The position of the axles is not regulated, provided that the wheelbase measurement complies with rule 3C above. It is not required to place the axles (nails) into the slots that have been pre-cut in the wood block.
6. The underside of the front of the car may not be undercut so as to allow the cars nose to hang out over the top of the starting post. If the nose protrudes over the starting post and the official starter is not able to adjust for a fair start, the protruding car will not be allowed to race. Therefore:
   1. The leading edge of the car should be at the same height as the bottom surface of the car. This will prevent the car from having a front end that slopes up from the bottom, causing it to not sit well on the starting post.
   2. The front of the car (when viewed from above) should have a flat surface no less than ½ inches in length that is perpendicular to the long axis of the car and on the centerline of the car so that it will properly rest on the starting post.

4. Wheels and Axles

1. No alteration, narrowing, lathe cutting, or re-shaping of wheels (inside or outside) is allowed. Light sanding of the wheel treads to remove irregularities is permissible. Minimum wheel diameter allowable is 1.180 inches (most wheels measure between 1.195 to 1.200 inches). No covers, stickers, or hubcaps will be allowed over the wheels or axles. The axle head must be visible. The serrated edges of the wheel treads must remain visible.
2. Only the official wheels and axles as provided in the official car kits or the official wheel and axle kits may be used. Wheels and axles from other kits, including Pinecar, will not be allowed. Wheel bearings, spacers, and washers are prohibited.
3. All cars must have four wheels. Three of the wheels must be touching the track surface at all times.
4. The car must be freewheeling with no starting or launching devices, and shall not ride upon any type of springs.
5. In order for the car to avoid scraping bottom against the guide strip of the track, it should have 3/8″ clearance underneath.

5. Lubrication

1. Cars will be lubricated before registration and qualification. Cars may NOT be lubricated thereafter. Violation will result in ejection from the race. Re-lubrication will be permitted just prior to the running of the Overall Pack Championship race.
2. Any type of DRY lubricant is permitted. Graphite is highly recommended.

6. General Rules

1. If during a race, a car leaves the track, runs out of it’s lane, interferes with the other car, or loses an axle, etc., the race will be run again.
2. There will be an official Pit Area for repairs and alterations. If the car does not qualify at Registration, alterations may be made by the racer and the adult(s) with whom he came.
3. Repairs will be permitted after racing begins, but shall take place in the official pit area under the direct supervision of the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
4. If a racer requires repairs, his race will be delayed for a maximum of 3 minutes so that his car can be repaired, or he withdraws.