Pinewood Derby

The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race. It is important that scouts and parents work TOGETHER on this so scouts learn about design, model building, competition, and sportsmanship. Car kits are distributed in November and event details will be sent out and listed in the calendar.

Prizes and Recognition

The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware. Awards are given for each scout category and for overall winners in the pack championship race.

Derby Workshops

The pack attempts to schedule several workshop opportunities to mold and shape the block of pinewood into a mean lean well-decorated racing machine. We will announce dates and times for the workshops once we get the parents lined up who will be supervising the shop tools. The boys are not permitted to use power tools but they are encouraged to design the shape of their cars, sand them, and decorate them accordingly. Parents are encouraged to assist the child but they should let the child do most of the work.

Equal Ground

All entries in the derby will start with the "Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" which includes the body, 4 axles, and 4 wheels. All nine pieces MUST be used before the car can race. One kit is provided by the pack to each scout and one per den for the den races. The kits are also sold at the local Scout Shop or online. Just make sure all parts are official BSA approved or the car will be disqualified.

Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications which are detailed in the card design rules linked above. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys.