Are your parts legal in my race?

Are Pinewood Pro parts allowed? Are your parts BSA Cub Scouts approved?

Understandably, I get these questions all the time.

While I can give you a general answer to questions about rules, there are two reasons that nobody can give a definitive answer.

1. Every race has their own unique set of rules.
2. Every race inspector may interpret those rules differently.

Also, note that pinewood derby races are run by Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Kub Kar, YMCA, Awana, charity fund raisers, adult groups, summer camps, corporate events,etc. They all have their own, unique set of pinewood derby rules!

Within those groups, someone will be assigned to "check in" each car to weigh it and inspect it against their rules. Most race inspectors do a quick check, while others are meticulous and thorough. If you are participating in a Disctrict, Councel or multi-state race, assume that your car will be inspected more thoroughly.

For example, When I manage races for our local Cub Scout Packs, we just weigh cars and made sure the car didn't exceed the size requirements and look for gross violations, like holes cut in the wheels. Occasionally, a car needs minor adjustments but I never rejected a car.

On the other hand, I have heard of race inspectors that check cars with micrometer gauges down to the hundredth of an inch, use special rulers, sizing boxes, etc. You get the idea...every race is different.  Bottom line - you need to read the rules for your particular race and, if needed, clarify rules with your race manager.

Having said that, here are two general guidelines -

1. If something is not specifically stated in the rules, it is ok.
2. When in doubt, ask your race manager!

Are Pinewood PRO Wheels and Axles Legal?

For all the reasons stated above, only you and your race manager can answer that question.

However, the following notes should help you:

• If a part states, "BSA" in the title, it is an Official Boy Scouts of America part from the BSA car kit. BSA Polished Axles, for example, are from the Official BSA Cub Scout Grand Prix Pinewood Derby kit. BSA Speed Wheels are also directly from the BSA Cub Scout kit.
• All of my BSA wheels have all of the BSA markings inside and outside of the wheel, including the beads along the wheel tread. These markings are usually what is required to meet BSA pinewood derby race rules.
• Graphite-coatings on axles and wheels are legal as long as your race rules allow graphite or dry lubricants.
• All of our pre-cut derby blocks, car kits and pre-made pinewood derby cars conform to official BSA and Awana car dimensions.
• Our Awana Wheels were purchased directly from Awana International, and all of the Awana markings remain on the wheel.

I hope this helps answer some questions about pinewood derby rules...

Follow the rules and may your derby car win!

Running a LEGO Derby Car Race?

LEGO Derby Rules for your LEGO Derby car race. They are similar, but not the same as pinewood derby rules.