Pinewood Derby

Overview

The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in Cub Scouting. During the event, Cub Scouts race small, driverless wooden cars down a sloped track. The cars are powered only by gravity.

With an adult’s help, each Pinewood Derby car is built by a Cub Scout using a kit that includes a wooden block, plastic wheels and metal axles. Trophies or medals are often awarded for the fastest car and the best designs.

When: February 1,9A

Where: Hope Church

Pinewood Derby Rules

The car must have been made during the current year (the year in which the derby is held).
Overall width shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches at the furthest horizontal protrusion, whether it is the body of the car, or the wheels.
The area where the axles are inserted should be approximately 1 3/4 inches wide to ensure that the wheels will fit over the guide strip on the track.
The length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces.
Axles, wheels, and body wood shall be as provided in the kit.
Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
The car shall not ride on any kind or type of springs.
Any details added must be within length, width, and weight limits.
The car must be freewheeling, with no starting devices.
No loose materials of any kind (such as lead shot) are allowed in the car.
Each car must pass inspection by the official inspection committee before it may compete.

Pack 584 Supplemental Rules

Once a car has passed inspection, it will remain in possession of the Pack until after the race. No additional changes may be made once the car is turned in (including adding lubricant).
If a car breaks during the competition (such as a wheel comes off), the car’s owner will be given a maximum of 5 minutes to repair the car and return it to the race.
Pre-made ready-to-race derby cars violate the spirit of the Pinewood Derby competition and may not be used. However, pre-cut kits sold from the official BSA Scout Store (such as a pre-cut wedge) are allowed.
Cub scouts should be substantially involved in building of their cars. Parent assistance is allowed, but the intent is for the Cub Scout to learn, to do their best, and to work together with an adult to build their car.
Cars built in previous years are allowed in the Family race.
No part of the car (including the front wheels) may extend beyond the front of the vehicle body. The front nose of the car must have at least a 1/2” flat center (no cone or V shape). These rules are in place so that cars will work properly with our starting mechanism and timing device.

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