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Master LEGO® Brick Derby™ Rules & Build Guide by Pinewood Pro

Build the perfect derby car with official LEGO® guidelines! Uncover essential rules and tips from Pinewood Pro.

Joe Gargiulo
November 04, 2017
Master LEGO® Brick Derby™ Rules & Build Guide by Pinewood Pro

Racing Rules for Derby Cars Made from LEGO® Bricks

Car Weight

  • Maximum car weight shall not exceed 5.0 oz.
  • The 2x2 Zinc Brick (.44oz) is the best weight for derby cars made from LEGO® bricks because it can simply be snapped on like any LEGO® brick.
  • For open class racing, the weight limit is at the discretion of the Race Manager.

Derby Car Dimensions

  • Max Height: 4.5" - so the car clears the finish gate.
  • Max Width: 3" - so the car does not interfere with the car in the adjacent lane.
  • Max Length: 10" - so the car fits behind the start gate.
  • Bottom clearance: 3/8" - so the car doesn't rub on the track center guide rail.

Derby Axles and Wheels

  • PRO Brick Wheel Assembly or PRO Brick Chassis must be used to get precise wheel spacing for a Pinewood Derby track.
  • All four wheels do not need to be in contact with the track; however, each car must have four wheels.

Lubrication

Lubrication is not allowed.

Car Modifications Not Allowed

  • Wheel bearings, washers, or bushings are prohibited.
  • The car must not ride on any type of springs.
  • So called "cheater bars" at the front of the car to give an unfair starting advantage are prohibited.
  • No starting or propulsion devices.
  • The car must be freewheeling.

Other Race Rules

  • Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
  • Any modifications not expressly forbidden by any of the rules above are allowed, subject to final decision by a race official.
  • The Inspection Committee may disqualify any car that does not meet the above specifications.

Car Repairs

  • If pieces fall off the car, (common in Brick Derby™ car races!), the racer will have 5 minutes to put pieces back on the car.
  • No additional pieces may be added when the car is repaired.


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