Please read this page carefully and complete inspection before racing. Local Pack rules govern. For fundraising details, see the Derby Fundraiser page.
• Workshop(s): 1/20/2027 7:00pm
• Pre-check / Lube cutoff: 2/27/2027 — TBD (graphite only; see Car Specs)
• Inspection & impound closes (Scout Division): 2/26/2027 6-8:30pm Parish Meeting Center
• Outlaw Division inspection: Saturday, February 27, 2027 by 11:00 AM
• Race Day: Saturday, February 27, 2027 — first heat at 1:00 PM
Pack 2 Pinewood Derby Rules (PDF)
Family Sponsorship Handout Flyer (PDF)
Download Sponsor Pitch Deck (PDF)
Chester County Council Pinewood Derby Rules (PDF) If your car goes onto Council Race
• Scout Division: for registered Cub Scouts by rank/den. Trophies for speed and show categories.
• Outlaw Division: for siblings, parents, guests (see Outlaw specs below). Awards for top speed and a show category.
• King of the Hill: Final bracket among the fastest cars to determine Pack Champion.
• Cars must pass inspection and be impounded before the posted cutoff.
• Lubrication: Graphite only (no oils). Final lube must be completed before inspection closes.
• After impound, cars remain in race control unless a race official authorizes a repair.
• Concessions available (snacks & drinks); proceeds benefit Pack 2.
• Please keep food and open drinks away from the track and inspection area.
• Allergy-friendly items will be labeled; ask a race official if you need details.
• Kit: Official BSA Pinewood Derby kit (wood body, four plastic wheels, four nails/axles).
• Weight: up to 5.0 oz (141.75 g) maximum.
• Dimensions: length, width, height, and underbody clearance must meet Pack rules (fit the track, finish line, and scale).
Use the official check-in box or ruler at inspection.
• Wheels & Axles: BSA wheels/axles only; no bearings, bushings, springs, hubcaps, or washers. Light sanding/polishing allowed per rules; no lathe cutting, tapering, or extreme profiling.
• Wheels: Four wheels must be touching the track. Four (4) wheels must be raced (two on
each side of the car and adjacent to one another) No staggering of the wheels allowed. Both
Front and Rear wheels must be positioned directly across from the other.
• Axle Slots: Factory axle slots must be used and visible, with the factory standard 4 & 3/8 inch wheelbase. Axles are positioned 1 inch from one end (usually the front bumper), and 1 & 5/8 inches from the other (usually the rear bumper). Slots may be trued or straightened. Axels cannot be drilled into the car body proper with the exception of into the factory slot. A factory slot may be filled with wood putty or other material and drilled only for axle placement. The tip of the nail axle must be visible to allow inspectors to verify nail axles are being used.
• Guides & Track: Car must be free-wheeling; nothing may damage the plastic track or other cars.
• Lubrication: Graphite only; apply before inspection closes.
Inspection checklist
≤ 5.0 oz on scale
Meets length/width/clearance box
BSA wheels & nails only
4 wheels touching track
Graphite applied (no oil)
No add-ons touching the track/finish
• Who may race: siblings, parents, relatives, friends, sponsors, and guests.
• Body: Main body must be wood. You may change wheels and axles as long as nothing can damage the plastic track.
• Dimensions (must meet all):
• Width: ≤ 2 ¾″ (including wheels/axles)
• Length: ≤ 7″
• Height: ≤ 4″
• Weight: ≤ 8.0 oz
• Center-rail clearance: 1 ¾″
• Bottom clearance: 3⁄8″
• Nose: at least ½″ of flat surface for the starting pin; no part of the car may protrude in front of the starting peg
• Add-ons: Stable materials may be added for design; they must be firmly attached and still meet all size specs.
• Prohibited items: liquids; oil; sticky substances; powders (other than axle graphite); loose objects; magnets/mercury; flames or anything that could start a fire; anything that could damage the plastic track.
• Lubrication: Graphite only. Axles must be dry at race time—no wet/oily/greasy axles.
These Outlaw rules summarize the official PDF posted in the Downloads section on this page.Outlaw inspection
All Outlaw cars must pass inspection on Saturday, February 27, 2027 by 11:00 AM.
Cars that do not meet the specs above will be asked to adjust before impound.
• Multiple heats per car; times/finishes determine standings per rules.
• Finals/“King of the Hill” determine Pack Champion.
• Good sportsmanship expected from all racers and spectators; officials’ decisions are final.
Questions about the Pinewood Derby? Email derby@pack2.org