2025 River Trails District
OFFICIAL PINEWOOD DERBY RULES
Ely Chapman Education Foundation,
403 Scammel Street, Marietta OH
February 16, 2025
All cars must conform to the inspection standards listed. The body of the BSA Grand
Prix Racer must be made of wood. Wheels and axles must be Official BSA Grand
Prix Racer Parts. DO NOT ASSUME the width, length, and height of kits are standard.
SCOUTS ARE REQUIRED TO BUILD A NEW CAR EACH YEAR.
CAR SPECIFICATIONS:
(Note: Wheels and axles must be Official BSA Grand Prix Racer Parts).
1. Overall width of body (car including wheels) shall not exceed 3 (three) inches.
2. Overall length of body (car including wheels) shall not exceed 7 (seven) inches.
3. The car (car including weights and wheels) must have a track clearance of a
minimum of 3/8 inches.
4. The height of the car (car including wheels) will not exceed 3 (three) inches.
5. The weight shall not exceed 142 grams. The scales at the derby registration are
the official scales. Weight may vary from the scales that you use. If a car does not meet the
weight requirements, they can be adjusted in the designated pit area and retested.
6. Car detailing is permitted as long as they do not exceed the maximum length,
width, height, and weight specifications of the car.
7. The body of the BSA Grand Prix Racer must be made of wood.
8. Car must have a solid front end, meaning no slopes, no notches, no channels ,
and no points on car that would give an advantage at the starting line.
CAR RESTRICTIONS:
1. No loose materials of any kind are permitted on the car. The car may be hollowed
out and built up to a maximum weight by the addition of wood or metal only,
provided that it is built securely into the body. Mercury is prohibited as a
weight.
2. Washers and bushings are prohibited. Any and all dry lubricants are permitted but
must be applied outside the building.
3. The wheels may not be reduced from their original size. The wheels may be
smoothed, but not tapered. Wheels and axles must be official BSA Grand
Prix Racer parts only. No hubcaps allowed. All four wheels must sit flat on
surface.
4. The car shall not ride on any type of spring.
5. The car must be freewheeling with NO starting device(s).
GENERAL RULES GOVERNING RACE:
1. All racers must be registered Scouts. We will have an unofficial all comers race for siblings
and adults before the finals of the Scouts derby.
2. Each car must pass an inspection by the Official Inspection Committee at the
Derby. All rules will be strictly adhered to. The inspectors will disqualify
those cars that do not meet these specifications. A pit area with tools will
be available on Derby Day to make adjustments.
3. After registration and inspection, only the Cub Scout may handle their car.
4. A Cub Scout must be present to race their own car.
5. In the case of a tie, the racers will run again on the same lane.
DISQUALIFICATION:
1. If a car loses a part twice in any heat. Should this happen once, the race will be
stopped and the racer will have a chance to fix his car.
2. If a car jumps the track twice in any heat.
3. If your car touches another car twice in any heat.
4. If any part of the car extends beyond the starting pin.
5. If the car is modified after registration by anyone in any manner.
6. The purpose of this event is to have fun racing the Scout’s PWD cars. Any actions of
questionable ethics will evaluated by the judges and are subject to disqualification.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
Bob Sheridan (740)374-3957 or BS2531@gmail.com