Every year since 1953, Cub Scouts across the country participate in the Pinewood Derby. Things haven’t changed much since then as cars still originate from a block of (pine)wood. Pinewood Derby cars are not only an expression of a child’s creativity but also a fun, hands on activity where science, technology, engineering, and math merge together as Scouts race gravity-fueled cars down a track.
Pack 3508's philosophy is that Pinewood Derby should be fun and fair for all Cubs. It is an activity intended for Scouts to build a car with age-appropriate help from adults. The Pinewood Derby is like all things in Cub Scouting, founded in our motto: DO YOUR BEST.
Pack 3508's philosophy is that Pinewood Derby should be fun and fair for all Cubs. It is an activity intended for Scouts to build a car with age-appropriate help from adults. The Pinewood Derby is like all things in Cub Scouting, founded in our motto: DO YOUR BEST.
What Pack 3508 expects from parents and guardians:
- Read the rules together and research any aspect of the building process with your Scout. Talk to others who have built cars. Most importantly, guide and encourage your Scout in this project.
- Does your Scout want to have the fastest car? Or maybe the coolest car? Or both? Let the Scout pick the shape, color, and design. Note: The most aerodynamic car is not always the fastest car!
- Help your Scout build the car. It is about the Scout doing and the adult helping. Cubs designing and building their car is the most important aspect of this event.
- Let your Scout use hand tools to create the car with proper safety precautions. Use power tools in a safe manner. Everything depends on your Scout’s abilities. Always put safety first. If it is not an issue of safety, you should do as little as possible; this is the Scout’s car. Some adults don't have the tools to cut the block. It is okay to ask others for help.
- Let your Scout do the sanding, priming, painting, decals, etc.
- Have fun!
Where do you start?
Check out the Pack rules here or the current draft of the District rules here.
High Level Overview:
Pinewood Derby Designs/Ideas:
If a kid can imagine it, they can build a Pinewood Derby car of it. Start with a Template!
Scouts Life has compiled photos of Derby cars for years. Check out some of the awesome cars from recent years: 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018. Or check out some of our designs from recent years:
Check out the Pack rules here or the current draft of the District rules here.
High Level Overview:
- All cars, wheels, and axles must be from a BSA Model Kit. DO NOT BUY CARS, WHEELS, OR AXLES FROM STORES AND/OR OFF OF THE INTERNET!
- A new year, a new car (meaning you can’t submit last year’s car to race again this year.)
- Dimensions - Height: Not to exceed 4”, Length: Not to exceed 7”, Width: Not to exceed 2-3/4”
- Minimum Front Nose Width shall be at least 0.5” at the center and parallel with the front axle to operate properly at the starting gate. No needle nose cars and no quick start fronts.
- Weight: Not to exceed 5 ounces (142.7 grams)
- Don't mess with the wheels. The rules around wheel modification are just too subjective.
- All four wheels must touch raceway (no 3-wheeling).
- Axles may be lubricated by dry/powered graphite only. (No Teflon, Krytox, lubricating oils, or other lubricants are permitted).
Pinewood Derby Designs/Ideas:
If a kid can imagine it, they can build a Pinewood Derby car of it. Start with a Template!
Scouts Life has compiled photos of Derby cars for years. Check out some of the awesome cars from recent years: 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018. Or check out some of our designs from recent years: