Tri‑Trails Pinewood Derby

A community tradition of creativity, craftsmanship, and friendly competition. Whether you're a racer, a parent, or a fan of fast cars, we’re excited to have you here.

Race stats or want to join the race team?
Contact Loren Moench, Race Director, at derbyguru@outlook.com.

ALL DECISIONS BY THE RACE DIRECTOR ARE FINAL

How Winners Are Determined

Each car will race 8 times, once in each lane. The slowest time is removed, the remaining 7 times are added together, and the car with the lowest total time is the winner.

Scout Division Race Rules

Car Dimension Rules

  • The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
  • The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
  • The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
  • The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.

Derby Car Weight Rules

  • The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
  • The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.

Car Modifications

  • The official pine wood block must be used. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired. Bodies of other materials or pre-cut will be grounds for disqualification.
  • You may add additional items (fins, engine, etc) to the body of the car as long as the body is the official wood block.
  • Official BSA wheels must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. You may remove the seams and imperfections from the wheels.
  • The axles may be polished. No washers, bushings, bearings or springs are allowed. You must use the stock axles provided in the BSA kit.
  • Axles must remain straight and use original guides for placement. Bent axles, rail riding, 3-wheel setup, or similar modifications are not allowed.
  • Only dry lubricants are allowed. No liquid lubricants are allowed.
  • Weights must be firmly attached and stationary. No moveable weights.
  • The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.

Other Pinewood Derby Race Rules

  • All cars racing in this year’s Derby must be new cars constructed specifically for this year’s race.
  • Cars entered in previous races will be disqualified.
  • Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only race committee members can touch it.
  • If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make repairs.
  • Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it is allowed to compete.
  • The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.
  • If a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure and given time within the official check-in time to make any adjustments. A car not able to meet specifications will be disqualified.
Open Division Race Rules

Car Dimension Rules

  • The overall length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
  • The overall width of the car shall not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
  • The car must have 1 ¾” clearance between the wheels.
  • The car must have 3/8” clearance underneath the body so it does not rub on the track.

Derby Car Weight Rules

  • The car shall not exceed 5.0 ounces.
  • The official race scale that is used at car check-in shall be considered final.

Car Modifications

  • Kits or pre-cut bodies are allowed
  • You may add additional items (fins, engine, etc) to the body of the car
  • You may use non-BSA wheels and axles, including graphite coated or polished.
  • Axles may be bent. Rail riding and 3-wheel configurations are allowed.
  • No washers, bushings, bearings or springs are allowed.
  • Only dry lubricants are allowed. No liquid lubricants are allowed.
  • Weights must be firmly attached and stationary. No moveable weights.
  • The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.

Other Pinewood Derby Race Rules

  • It is preferred that all cars racing in this year’s Derby must be new cars constructed specifically for this year’s race. Cars entered in previous races are allowed by discouraged.
  • Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only race committee members can touch it.
  • If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer shall have 5 minutes to make repairs.
  • Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it is allowed to compete.
  • The Inspection Committee has the responsibility to disqualify those cars that do not meet these rules.
  • If a car does not pass inspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure and given time within the official check-in time to make any adjustments. A car not able to meet specifications will be disqualified.