Body: The main body structure must be made of pine wood. The block may be shaped in any way that is desired. 

Build New: The cars must be built within the last 12 months. Cars from last year's Palmetto 500 race may not be used again.

Built by Youth: Cars must be built, to the extent possible, by the Trailmen and American Heritage Girls and not by his or her parents.

Add-Ons: Other materials such as plastic, metal, toy drivers, lights, etc. may be added to the original block but must be firmly affixed to the car and must only be used for visual enhancement and must in no way assist in propelling the car.

Dimensions: The overall length of the car must not exceed 7 inches, width must not exceed 2 ¾ inches, and the height must not exceed 6 ½ inches.

Weight: The car must not exceed 5.0 ounces. The official race scale that is used at check-in will be considered final. All weight must be securely fastened to the car.

Wheels: The wheels and nail axles provided with the car kit must be used. The wheels may not be cut, drilled, beveled or rounded. Seams and imperfections may be removed from the wheels. Only dry lubricants such as graphite or powdered Teflon "white lube" will be allowed for lubricating the wheels.

Vehicle Identification: Racers may incorporate any number - or none at all - into their car’s design. An official race number will be assigned upon check-in and a numeric decal applied to uniquely identify each car.

Other Race Rules: The car must be strictly gravity-powered and may not be constructed in such a manner that the track's starting mechanism imparts momentum to the car. Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only Race Marshals may touch it. Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete.

Nonconformity: Cars not conforming to each of these rules will be placed in the Outlaw class by race inspectors.