Columbus Soap Box Derby        

 Derby Fools Day Fun Run PINEWOOD DERBY RULES:

1. Spirit: This is a fun competition to cross‐promote Pinewood and Soap Box Derby racing and their values to “DO YOUR BEST”.

2. Final Authority: Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection team before it will be allowed to compete. Inspectors have final authority including disqualification for cars not meeting specifications, or for behavior not consistent Scouting and Soap Box Derby “Do Your Best” racing values.

3. The inspection points are…

a. Official BSA Pinewood Derby kits must be used. Knock‐off hobby shop kits may not be used.

b. Width: Overall width shall not exceed 2.75 inches.

c. Length: Overall length shall not exceed 7 inches.

d. Height: Overall height shall not exceed 3 inches.

e. Clearance: Clearance between car and track must be at least 3/8 inches.

f. Wheel‐to‐Wheel: The car must have at least 1.75 inches of inside wheel‐to wheel clearance to fit on the track.

g. Weight: Overall weight shall not exceed 5.0 ounces. The weight shown on the official onsite scale is final. Weights may be added to reach 5.0 exactly.

h. All car parts must be firmly attached.

i. The car shall not ride on any type of springs, nor use any form of starting devices, propellants, or magnets.

j. The front‐most portion of the car must rest on the starting pin.

k. Detailing: Is encouraged but overall width, length, etc. specifications must be maintained.

l. Wheels and Axles: Only BSA Pinewood derby kit wheels and axles are permitted.

All lettering, both inside and outside, must remain and be visible. Surfaces may be lightly sanded, shaved, or polished to remove surface imperfections and mold casting burrs, but must not be reshaped in any way in an attempt to lighten the wheel, minimize tread contact, or alter aerodynamics. There must be four wheels on the car, however, it is not required that all four wheels make contact with the track surface. Each wheel must be mounted on an axle on the outside of the car. Each wheel must be attached directly to the car by an axle and spin freely. The two rear wheels and two front wheels must be positioned directly across the body from each other. Staggered wheel bases are not allowed.

m. Lubricants: Only dry powdered lubricants may be used and must be applied prior to weigh‐in. No lubrication will be permitted after inspection. No lubrication is permitted on the exposed surface of the wheels.

Race Day Rules and Check‐In Procedures

1. After entry fee payment, inspection, final lubrication, and weigh‐in, all cars are turned

over to race officials and will only be handled by race officials thereafter. Inspectors have final authority including disqualification for cars not meeting specifications.

2. Only race day judges and officials will be allowed inside the racing circle. All participants and spectators must remain outside the racing circle.

3. All cars will be on display inside the barrier.

4. Repairs: Race officials may authorize repairs when damage is caused by collision with another car or object. Officials will determine the adjustments that can be made, and the length of time available to complete such adjustments (normally five minutes).

5. A car that jumps off the track or interferes with another car will be allowed to re‐run the heat. If the same car jumps off the track or interferes a second time, the participant may elect to race the car backwards. A car that jumps off the track or interferes three successive times will be disqualified.

6. Behavior: Race officials reserve the right to disqualify participants or their spectators for behavior that is not consistent with Scouting and Soap Box Derby “Do Your Best” racing values.

7. Cars will be returned to owners after the race.