Tacos and Tailgates 2026 Pinewood Derby Official Rules

The official car of the Pinewood Derby is available HERE. Similar kits are available, and if you want to outfit your whole club, the best value is HERE. - The kits are available on Amazon or can be purchased at any distributor of Official Boy Scout supplies/Hobby Lobby/Michaels stores etc.

The rules in effect for the Tacos and Tailgates Pinewood Derby are intended to maintain the competition on an even playing field and make it more fun.

Weight and Appearance
1. Total weight of the car may not exceed 7 ounces.

Wheels and Axles
1. All cars must have four wheels.

General Rules
1. The car must be free-wheeling - No starting/launching device or propulsion.
2. Numbers will be assigned  at registration and will be pulled at random to compete in 1v1 bracket style racing.
3. Each competition will be a BEST 2 out of 3!  

4. Lane choice can be agreed upon or flipped for.
5. Each race will be overseen by the Judge/Judges. The judges must agree that the race was fair and without incident.
6. Volunteer judges may be used. Volunteer judges shall not judge any race in which they have a club member racing.

​
 

As low as we would all like to make our Derby Cars in order for the car to avoid scraping the bottom against the guide strip of the track, it should have 3/8” or more, clearance underneath.

Don’t forget, this is for fun and for charity.



 

 

 

THE TACOS AND TAILGATES PINEWOOD DERBY IS PRESENTED BY