Pinewood Derby

Lead-Free Events
Lead weights were common in the past. However, these are safer alternatives available at similar prices now. Zinc or Tungsten weights are available on Amazon or via the Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby supplier. You could even just use some loose change! Did you know pennies are 97.5% zinc?
Both the workshop and the race day events will be lead-free.

Workshop Details

  • A workshop will be held at 5543 34th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105 on June 30, 2024, 12-4pm. This is a drop-in workshop, so folks do not need to stay the entire time.
  • This is an optional workshop where we will provide kits, tools, paints, and a scale to check the specs of your car.
  • Kids under 10 must attend with parents.
  • Workshop costs $10 per car, all of which will go to buying additional supplies. Feel free to bring cash or venmo at the workshop.

Racing Specifications

  • Contestants must be persons attending on the 4th.
  • Overall dimension limits:
    • Width: 4" max
    • Height: 4" max
    • Length: 6" min, 9" max
    • Weight can not exceed 5 ounces.
  • Car chassis can not be lowered below ⅜" (a.k.a. Underbody clearance must be higher than ⅜".)
  • We recommend using a Pinewood Derby Kit (like this). This is because nails and axles furnished with kits are recommended to maintain proper wheel spacing and underbody clearance. Wood or plastic axle bars may be used. Wheels may be cut down, narrowed, if you wish. We will be providing materials at the workshop as well.
  • Car must be free-wheeling. No starting device or power.
  • No wheel bearings, car springs, or washers will be permitted. Only dry graphite or plastic lubricants are permitted. No liquid lubricants are permitted. Graphite lubricant will be provided morning of the race. Any materials or object may be used for the car body, but it needs to look like a car. Use your imagination on the design and your technical skill on the wheels.
  • No lead may be used.

Inspection

  • Each car must pass inspection by the official race committee before it may compete. The inspectors have the right to disqualify those cars which do not meet the above specifications.

Race Structure

  • Cars will be run in heats of up to 4 cars at a time against other cars.
  • The top two cars from each heat will proceed to the next stage of the tournament.
  • This will continue until the final heat of 4 cars.
  • In the final heat, there will be one winner.
  • In addition, there will be one prize for the best visual car.