These Are the Rules (bub)

Eligibility

Anyone 21 years of age or older may enter. To register, sign up here.

Previously raced or entered Pinewood Derby cars from other events (or decades) may be entered provided they use wheels and axles from the official kit and must comply with the technical standards set forth by the Stumptown 40 event committee. The participant must be present at the event to enter his or her car into the event.

Fees

An entry fee of $25 per car is required for registration (shipping not included). There’s no limit to the number of cars registered to an individual or business. Each registration includes a Pinewood Derby car kit.

Awards

First, second and third place trophies will be awarded for the fastest car. An additional prize will be awarded for “Creative Car,” as determined by paper ballots tabulated at the event. To be considered eligible for “fastest car” awards, cars must meet ALL racing technical standards as outlined below. Cars competing for the “Creative Car” trophy may weigh more than 5 ounces but must fall within the maximum dimensions specified below. Additionally, “creative cars” MUST complete one full “lap” of the track to qualify for the creative trophy, progressing from start to finish in a reasonable amount of time.

Technical Specs

This ain’t rocket science. And while we don’t take our derby too seriously, there are some rules. Keep in mind that we’ll have some inspectors at race day check-in who will evaluate each car’s adherence to the technical standards. Play hard, but play fair.

MATERIAL. All cars entered shall be constructed from the Pinewood Derby kit that’s purchased from Stumptown40.com (older cars may be entered, but must use NEW wheels and axles from the official kit and meet all other technical standards). The block of wood from the kit, or portions thereof, must be prominent in the design. “Add-ons” of plastic, metal, decorations, small animals, etc. are allowed. Above all, have fun with your design. Be creative. Funny’s good, too. Don't hurt or kill anything, especially yourself.

WEIGHT. Race cars may weigh no more than five (5) ounces (total weight) as determined on the official scale during race day inspection. Weight may be added to the car and will be considered part of the car for purposes of all measurements. If you add weight, make sure it’s secure. Think glue, not chewing gum.

SIZE. Race cars may be no longer than 7 inches, nor wider than 2.75 inches, nor taller than 3 inches, per the official gauges during race day inspection. Underside clearance of 3/8 (0.375) inches is recommended so your car will run down the racetrack easily. See diagram at right.

WHEELS AND AXLES.The car must roll on the wheels and axles from the kit. Firmly fix the axles to the car body. Wheel treatment (hub and tread smoothing/polishing) may not result in substantial removal of mass nor in reducing tread (track contact) width from the original kit wheels. You can paint the wheels.

GRAVITY POWERED. No engines, CO2 cartridges, or leftover fireworks. Just gravity.

LUBRICANTS. Only dry/powdered lubricants such as graphite may be used. If you use wet lubricants or oils, you’ll be disqualified, and we’ll make fun of you, too.