Pinewood Derby Q&A

what is the cub scouts pinewood derby kit rules?

the weight limitations

Public Comments

1. More weight. Aerodynamicts do not play a factor in this.
2. No one over 50 lbs. is allowed to ride the cart down the ramp- lol/just kidding- give a call to another parent -that's what I did when I was helping my son awhile ago
3. Our pack rule is 5 ounces. Check with your Den leader as your Pack may have a different ruling but I believe 5 ounces is the BSA standard. Good luck and have fun!
4. I'm an old EAGLE and never had the chance to actually play with the pinewood cars... but here are two links to their rules. http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/activities/special/derbies.html http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/pwd-kitrules.html GOOD LUCK
5. Hello kathyjo: The second link that Robert S provided is very helpful. The car needs to fit on a track, and no part of the car should hang below the 3/8 inch level so that the car won't get hung up on anything. It should also not be too tall, or it may interfere with the end gate. Use only the wheels that come in the original kit. The weight should be as close to 5 oz with out going over as possible; you need the weight to provide the momentum for the car to travel on the flat end of the track. Search the internet for Pinewood derby, and you will get lots of good tips on making faster cars. The best tip I've found is the wheels and axles should be square to the body, and the wheels should not wobble, but turn freely. The axle should be sanded smooth to reduce friction. Most important of all, is to support your son and let him know that the fun is in building the car, racing is just an incentive. Keep on Scoutin'
6. the weight limit is 5 oz. there are also other restrictions on the distance between the wheels. You can find the restriction listed right in the Pinewood Derby Kit-the intruction sheet has them.
7. 5 0/Z IS THE PERFECT WEIGHT CANT BE OVER THAT