To ensure a fair and fun competition, all participants in the Pinecar Derby Contest must adhere to the following rules and regulations when building their cars:

1. Car Specifications:

Maximum Car Length: 7 inches

Maximum Car Width: 2.75 inches (including wheels)

Maximum Car Height: 3 inches

Maximum Car Weight: 5 ounces (including all attachments and decorations)

Minimum Car Width Between Wheels: 1.75 inches

Minimum Car Clearance from Track: 0.375 inches

2. Car Body:

The car must be made from the official Pinecar Derby kit provided.

The body must be made of wood, and the original wood block from the kit must be used.

The car must be built by the participant with limited outside assistance.

Adult guidance is encouraged, but the majority of the work should be done by the participant.

3. Wheels and Axles:

The wheels and axles provided in the official kit must be used.

Wheels may be lightly sanded to remove imperfections but must retain their original shape, width, and diameter.

Axles may be polished but must remain unaltered in size and shape.

All four wheels must touch the track surface at all times.

Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.

4. Weight and Additions:

Additional materials may be added to the car for weight, but the total weight must not exceed 5 ounces.

Weights must be securely attached to the car and must not extend beyond the maximum dimensions.

Loose materials of any kind are prohibited on the car.

5. Decorations:

The car may be decorated with paint, decals, and other creative elements, as long as they do not interfere with the car’s performance or violate the size, weight, and material rules.

No moving parts, springs, or propulsion systems are allowed.

6. Prohibited Materials:

No magnets, motors, or other mechanical devices.

No liquids or loose materials, including powder or sand, are allowed.

7. Track Specifications:

The car must be gravity-powered only; no starting devices or propulsion mechanisms are allowed.

The car must be freewheeling with no stored energy or additional means of propulsion.

8. Inspections and Impound:

All cars must pass a technical inspection before racing.

Cars will be inspected for compliance with all rules, including weight, size, and materials.

After inspection, cars will be impounded until the race begins and will not be accessible for adjustments or repairs.

9. Race Day Procedures:

Each car will race multiple times, with the final standings based on the average time or placement across all races.

If a car experiences a malfunction during a race (e.g., a wheel falls off), it may be repaired under supervision, but the race will not be rerun.

The decision of the race officials is final in all race-related matters.

10. Sportsmanship:

All participants and spectators are expected to show good sportsmanship.

Any behavior deemed unsportsmanlike by the officials may result in disqualification of the participant.

11. Disqualification:

Cars that do not meet the above rules will be disqualified from the race.

Disqualified cars may still participate in a separate non-competitive exhibition race.

12. Miscellaneous:

The organizers reserve the right to update or modify these rules as necessary.

Any changes will be communicated to participants in advance of the race.

By following these rules and regulations, we ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Good luck, and may the best car win!