Pinewood Derby Race Weekend

November 20-21 2026

Friday, November 20 - Car Check-In – Robisch Hall – 7pm -8pm

Open to all Eastside Family Adults and their friends.

Racers and Spectators must be 18 years or older (no one under 18 permitted).

All racers must present their cars for inspection and check-in Friday evening. All vehicles will be inspected to ensure they conform to the rules. Cars will remain with the race officials until race day. Late arrivals will be disqualified.

Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.

Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches • Length shall not exceed 7 inches.

All wheels must roll and all wheels must touch the ground. No bent axles. No “rail riding”.

Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit.

Axles must use the pre-grooved area on car block (no shortening or lengthening axel placement).

Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite.

The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.

The car must be free-wheeling, with no starting devices.

No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.

Tools will be available for last minute adjustments and to make repairs to meet conformity as necessary.

Saturday, November 21 – Race Day – Robisch Hall – 7pm – 10pm

All cars will race four times, once from each lane with the race moderated by the certified pinewood derby race software.  All official race times are captured by the race computer and results will be displayed for all in attendance to see.

The first round of races will be run in numerical order based on check-in. Beginning with the second round of races, the cars will be matched by relative speed to ensure the most competitive races. At the end of all four races, the times are averaged with the overall winner achieving the lowest average race time.

Race Day Rules and Information

1.       The pinewood derby is an exciting event for all.  As we have a large group and want to ensure races proceed in a timely manner, barrier tape will be placed around the track, ensuring the race marshals have adequate space to efficiently run race night.  The taped area is closed to all racers and spectators without approval of a race marshal.

2.       The race software is the official record of results for the event.  Timing by the computer is official and not up for debate with manually timed records.

3.       As they say in NASCAR, rubbing is racing. It is to be expected that cars bump into each other during the races from time to time.  Races will not be re-run for minor bumping of cars on the track.

4.       Mechanical failures impacting other racers – in the event a car grossly impedes another car either by jumping lanes or by means of mechanical failure such that another racer is impeded, the race may be re-run.  Damaged cars can be repaired and will take place in the re-run race.  In the event a 2nd event impacts the race, the results of the 2nd race will stand as recorded.

5.       Have fun!

List of Awards

·       First Place Trophy, $100

·       Second Place Trophy, $50

·       Third Place Trophy, $25

·       Best Paint Job Trophy (tbd)

·       Best Craftsmanship Trophy (tbd)

·       Most Unique Trophy (tbd)