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 scout can design and build their own "Grand Prix" car to enter in the race.

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. The kits will be given to all currently registered Scouts in our Pack before the winter holiday break. Additional kits are sold at the local Scout Shop or online. Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications (must fit completely within the sizing box). Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the scouts. The complete set of rules will be available at the Derby Workshops. Please don't worry about the small print specifically worded to exclude the leaders from some or all of the rules.

Rules: Strict adherence to Pack 529 Pinewood Derby Rules will be in effect: Pack 529 PWD Rules

Official Pinewood Derby Website: BSA Pinewood Derby Site

Car Cutting/Derby Workshops: There will be 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 scouts 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. When finished, the car should look like a car a kid built.

Action Steps

• Review the rules and information on this page.

• Have your scout come up with a design drawing or use one of the templates.

• Have an adult your car at home or bring your block of wood prepared with your drawn-on template for cuts to the car cutting night.

• Continue sanding and shaping your car at home.

• Decorate your car at home.

• Show up at car check-in night to weigh-in and have your car checked for compliance (make sure it's fully ready, as the car will remain at the church until after the race!)

• Bring your best sportsmanship to race day!

"Be Fast... or Look Good Trying"

Recognition & Prizes

The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized; winners will also be awarded trophies.

Additionally, it is possible that the three fastest cars may qualify to compete at the District Pinewood Derby (if applicable).