LEGO® Derby Rules

LEGO® Derby Racing Rules
by Joe Gargiulo, Pinewood Pro
Presented below are the LEGO Derby Rules for racing cars built with LEGO parts down a pinewood derby track. These rules are designed to encourage creativity and experimentation.
Car Weight
- If racing for speed, maximum car weight shall not exceed 5.0 oz
- For open class racing, weight limit is at the disgression of the Race Manager
LEGO Derby Car Dimensions
- Max Height: 4.5" - so the car clears the finish gate. (Doesn't apply if using Pinewood Pro's PRO Track)
- Max Width: 3" - so the car does not interfere with the car in the adjacent lane
- Max Length: 10" - so the car fits behind the start gate
- Bottom clearance: 3/8" - so the car doesn't rub on the track center guide rail. (Doesn't apply if using Pinewood Pro's PRO Track)
LEGO Derby Axles and Wheels
- PRO Brick Wheel Assembly or Mini Brick Wheel Assembly must be used to get precise wheel spacing.
- All four wheels do not need to be in contact with the track; however, each car must have four wheels.
Lubrication
- Only oil type lubricants, such as Pinewood Pro's Nyoil, may be used on the axles before the car car is entered into the race.
- You may not add lubrication once the car is submitted.
- IMPORTANT! Do not attempt to use graphite on your LEGO axles because graphite will migrate to the LEGO parts and the parts will not longer stick together.
Car Modifications Not Allowed
- Wheel bearings, washers or bushings are prohibited.
- The car must not ride on any type of springs.
- So called "cheater bars" at the front of the car to give an unfair starting advantage are prohibited.
- No starting or propulsion devices.
- The car must be freewheeling.
Other LEGO Derby / Mini-Brick Derby Race Rules
- Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.
- Any other modifications not expressly forbidden by any of the rules above, are allowed, subject to final decision by a race official.
- The Inspection Committee may disqualify any car that does not meet the above specifications.
Car Repairs
- If pieces fall off the car, (common in LEGO Derby car races!), the racer will have 2 minutes to put pieces back on the car.
- No additional pieces may be added when the car is repaired.

LEGO derby cars on Pinewood Derby track
Want to run a LEGO Derby Race?
Because LEGO Derby Car racing is new, I encourage your questions, comments and feedback. Please call or e-mail. Read our new guide:
How to run a LEGO Derby Car Race
Call Pinewood Pro 203-400-3713 to discuss building and racing cars built with LEGO parts, race awards, race rules and group discounts.
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