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Pinewood Derby

Register for Engineer’s Week Second Annual Pinewood Derby Contest! Students, Faculty and Staff are invited to build/engineer a winning derby car. Kits are FREE and can be picked up in the Lane Innovation Hub, ESB G85. There are only 50 kits available for this year’s race, so grab your kit and be creative! This is a fun event for everyone, so if you take a kit, please complete, and enter it in the race. There will be awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, in both individual and team entries. Overall Awards for Most Creative, Most School Spirit, and BEST ENGINEERED will also be given! Registration Forms can be found in MRB 340.

Remember… The Innovation Hub has all the tools needed for you to build an amazing car.  Schedule a time and be CREATIVE!    

Pinewood Derby Rules

All entries must follow ALL the guidelines below or will be disqualified. Official Race Kits available, for FREE, in the Lane Innovation Hub, ESB G85

MATERIALS

  • All cars must be made for this year’s race.
  • Cars must be made from the Pinewood Derby kit.
  • Wheels may be sanded and polished smooth.
  • Wheel bearings, washers, bushings, and springs are prohibited.
  • Repositioning the axles is permitted, but the car must clear the ¼” tall guide rail.
  • Use of glue or cement is permitted for securing the axles.
  • No loose, hazardous, or moving parts are permitted on the car.
  • Powdered graphite is the only acceptable lubricant, and may only be applied prior to race check-in.
  • No grease, oil, or silicone spray is allowed.
  • No propulsion systems or motors. We don't want cars flying off the track and hitting things, all participants and spectators safety is our top priority.

WEIGHT

  • Weight may not exceed 5.0 ounces or 141.745 grams per official scales.
  • Weights must be permanently mounted to the car.
  • The overall length of the car may not exceed 7 inches.
  • The overall width of the car may not exceed 2 ¾ inches.
  • The overall height of the car may not exceed 4 inches.
  • The bottom of the car must clear the ¼ inch tall center guide rail.
  • Wheels must be far enough apart to span the 1 5/8 inch wide center guide rail.
  • Any cosmetic details added to the car must follow these requirements.
  • All entries MUST be completed and submitted to Student Services, MRB 340, by Thursday, February 22, 2024, by 12 noon. (Absolutely No Exceptions - No Walk-ins)