Pinewood Derby Ordering Quick Guide

Use this checklist + flow sheet to quickly choose the right setup and parts.
⚠️ Always confirm pack & district rules first.

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✅ Step 1: Rules Checklist

• Body → BSA slots required? Extended wheelbase allowed?

• Wheels → Stock only, or reduced-weight/machined allowed?

• Axles → Official BSA nails only, or aftermarket permitted?

• Lube → Graphite only, or oil allowed?

• Weight → Lead OK, or tungsten required?

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✅ Step 2: Track-Based Flow Sheet

Wood Track + Center Rail

• Setup → 3-wheel rail rider

• COG → ~1" in front of rear axle

• Wheels → ≥1.5 g (thicker rims for splinters/bumps)

• Axles → Bent front steer axle, polished

• Lube → Graphite (3000 grit axles) or oil (100K grit axles + waxed bores)

• Weight → Rearward, low to track, tungsten preferred

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Wood Track (No Rail)

• Setup → Straight shooter (no drift)

• COG → ~1" in front of rear axle

• Wheels → Lightest allowed (down to 1 g), cambered

• Axles → Straight & polished

• Lube → Graphite or oil based on rules

• Weight → Rearward, low, evenly balanced

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Metal/Plastic Track + Center Rail

• Setup → 3-wheel rail rider (drift ¾–1" over 4 ft)

• COG → ~¾" in front of rear axle

• Wheels → 1–1.5 g (well-tuned, polished bores)

• Axles → Bent front steer axle, rear cambered

• Lube → Oil preferred (if legal), else graphite

• Weight → 2 oz tungsten behind rear axle, stack low

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Metal/Plastic Track (No Rail)

• Setup → Straight shooter

• COG → ~½–¾" in front of rear axle

• Wheels → Lightest possible (1 g if legal)

• Axles → Straight, highly polished

• Lube → Oil (if allowed) for top speed; else graphite

• Weight → Rearward, balanced, aerodynamic fenders optional

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✅ Step 3: Body Choice

• Fun Build → Stock BSA block (scout-made look).

• Speed Build → CNC wedge/ladder body, light wood, max rear weight.

• League Style (if allowed) → Wafer body, aero fins, ultra-thin.

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✅ Step 4: Parts Quick Picks

• Axles → Stock polished / Grooved aftermarket / Bent for tuning

• Wheels → Stock polished / Reduced-weight / Machined round / Always Polish Bore

• Lube → Pure graphite (3K grit axles) OR Oil build (waxed bores, 100K grit axles)

• Weights → Always to 5.0 oz. Tungsten = compact, best placement.

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📊 QuicSheet Summary

Track Type	Setup	COG	Wheel Weight	Axles	Lube	Weight Placement
Wood + Center Rail	Rail Rider (3W)	~1"	≥1.5 g	2.5° Bent steer + cambered rear	Graphite/Oil	Low, rear, tungsten
Wood (No Rail)	Straight Shooter	~1"	Light (1 g)	Straight, polished	Graphite/Oil	Low, rear, balanced
Metal/Plastic + Center	Rail Rider (3W)	~¾"	1–1.5 g	2.5° Bent steer + cambered rear	Oil/Graphite	2 oz tungsten rear axle
Metal/Plastic (No Rail)	Straight Shooter	½–¾"	Light (1 g)	Straight, polished	Oil/Graphite	Rear, balanced, aero

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