Pinewood Derby
Pack 805's Pinewood Derby Homepage
Be Fast... or Look Good Trying
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.
Race Day
Weigh-ins start at 8:30 am, racing starts at 10:00 am.
Snacks, lunch foods, and drinks will be available as a fundraiser. This is a family event so bring the grandparents, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who might enjoy the race.
Race Day Highlights
There will be three divisions...
1) The Scout Derby - with the three fastest cars qualifying for the District Pinewood Derby
2)The Unlimited Derby - with the leaders cheating their way to contested victory again this year. Life is not fair boys. Live with it.
3) The Sibling Derby - Scout brothers and sisters can enter their own cars.
Schedule
All times are approximate!
Prizes and Recognition
The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized with a patch at registration. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware.
Rank Speed Awards - every Rank's three fastest cars will get a trophy
Pack Speed Awards - the Rank Speed Award winners will race again in the Grand Finals, and the top three will get a trophy
Den Speed Awards - every Den's three fastest cars will get a ribbon
Design Awards - the top three cars will get trophies for these three categories:
Scouting / Patriotic / Military
Racing / Cars / Sports
Funny / Creative
Derby Workshops
There will be several opportunities to mold and shape the block of pinewood into a lean mean well-decorated racing machine. Dens are encouraged to hold workshops. Parents are encouraged to assist the child but they should let the child do most of the work.
The Internet is a great resource for new racers to get started, and veterans to get help and ideas to improve. YouTube has a number of excellent videos. Here is a fine web site that does a good job outlining the process:
http://www.abc-pinewood-derby.com/basic-guide.php
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. All active Scouts will receive a kit as a Christmas present in December. Parent and siblings can request one, or purchase one online or from the Scout Shop in Pleasant Hill.
Cars may not exceed 5.0 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys. Please don't worry about the small print specifically worded to exclude the leaders from some or all of the rules.
Printable Rules
Printable rules are posted below.
Questions
Contact your friendly Pinewood Derby Coordinator: