Pinewood Derby
What is the Pinewood Derby (PWD)?
For those of you who are new to Cub Scouting this year, the Pinewood Derby is a signature Cub activity where scouts convert a wooden block into the car of their dreams. On race day everyone gathers for a fun day of racing competition.
Participating scouts will all receive a Pinewood Derby Patch. The top three fastest cars will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. There will also be awards for the “Most Creative” cars built by Cub Scouts, based on the design, construction, finish and overall appearance of the cars.
2024 - Key Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, Mar, 6th — Car kits will be distributed during the pack meeting. If you are unable to make the pack meeting please let your Den leader or me know so that we can arrange an alternative pick up.
Saturday, Mar 23rd - Practice runs and tune up from 4pm to 5pm; at Gardner Bullis Elementary.
Sunday, Mar 24th - Race Day at Gardner Bullis Elementary. Race bracket scheduled to start at 11am; Finals at 1pm. Awards will be given for speed, and a variety of appearance/creativity categories. As always we need volunteers for prep and takedown so please stay on and help if you can.
How to get started:
Derby car kit consists of a block of wood, 4 plastic wheels, and 4 nails to serve as axles. Your job is to build a fast car.
Check the Official PWD rules.
Building the car
Check out the resources below.
Brainstorm design ideas - draw it out and perfect your design.
Use the PWD template to trace the side and top view of your design. there are lots of ideas on YouTube and the web. Scouts have been very creative on their own, making rocket ships for their Lego characters, racing fruit salads, a pickup truck, etc.
Which end is the front of a pinewood derby car? Either end can be the front of the car but the end of the block farthest from an axle slot gives you an advantage if it is the front of the car. The reason for this is that you can put weight farther back on the car if the rear slot is close to the end of the block. The car will be more stable and your car will go faster with the weight farther back.
Check the length and width of your car (Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches; Length shall not exceed 7 inches).
Cut the block of wood as needed and sand it down as needed.
Add weights, decals and other car accessories as needed (check out Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Hardware or the Boy Scout Store).
Paint your car and install the axles and wheels.
Check the weight of your car (Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces).
Remember: The Scout/Youth is not supposed to build the car; The Parent/Adult partner is not supposed to build the car; They’re supposed to build it TOGETHER! The primary purpose of Pinewood Derby is for the Scout/Youth and Parent/Adult partner, referred to as Race Team to spend TIME together building a fast car.
Chooses a cool name for your car and add the assigned car number.
Register your car with Pack 78 by race day at 11AM.
PWD Resources: