Pinewood Derby


Pack 1910 Pinewood Derby
  • Two Classes of cars will be permitted to race:
    • Cub Scouts - Currently registered Cub Scouts of Pack 1910
    • "Outlaw-Class" - Family and Leaders of Pack 1910

Cub Scout Class RULES

  • The car must be made from an Official Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Kit. 
    • Kits are provided to each registered Scout.  Replacement Kits, accessories and parts are available from the scout shop.  Colored wheels with the BSA logo and style of the official kit are allowed.
  • The car must have been made during the current school year in which the derby is held. No re-used or old cars.
  • Dimensions of the Car:
    • Width of the car shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches.
    • Length of the car shall not exceed 7 inches.
    • Height of the car shall not exceed 3 inches.
  • Weight of the Car:
    • Cub Scout Cars shall not exceed 5 ounces.
  • Wheels & Axles
    • Wheels may not be machined to a beveled condition, and the portion of the wheel surface that contacts the track must remain parallel to the axle.
    • Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.
    • Only dry lubricant on wheel axle “e.g. graphite powder” is allowed.
    • Use the precut axle slots. You may not shorten or lengthen the wheelbase. 
    • Track guide is 1 1⁄2 inches, wheel track needs to be at least that wide to clear the racing surface.
  • General:
    • The car must be freewheeling, with no starter devices.  
    • No "resetting" of the cars shall be allowed between races.
    • Sounds and / or lights may be operated at the discretion of race staff, and only by race staff.
    • Cars shall not interfere with the operation of another car.
    • No loose materials of any kind “such as lead shot” are allowed in the car.
    • Nothing attached to the front of the car shall exceed the starting pin.
    • Special paint, stickers, decals, decorations, etc. may be added so long as they are Scout appropriate, and allow for a 1/2" diameter sticker to be applied by race staff to the rear of the car.
    • Cars shall be designed and built by the Cub Scout, with the assistance of their adult partner.  "Assistance" will be defined as allowing the scout to enjoy doing as much as they can safely, and within the rules of the Guide to Safe Scouting - AKA NO power tools may be operated by cub scouts.

Outlaw Class RULES

  • Cub-Scout Class Rules apply with the following exceptions:
    • Cars need not be built from the Official kit, but shall not have raced in previous events.
    • Wheels & Axles MAY BE machined and/or polished.
    • Maximum weight of the car shall not exceed 10 ounces
    • Builder may be parent, grandparent, guardian or sibling of registered Pack 1910 member.

Race Operations

  • All Cars will be checked-in and inspected at one of two check-in events.
  • At check-in through completion of the race, cars will be impounded by race staff and no modifications of any kind will be allowed.  Minor repairs maybe attempted by the race staff.
  • At Check-in each car and builder will be photographed for race day presentations and judging.
  • The race staff will apply a temporary sticker to the rear of each car for identification purposes.
  • Prior to Racing each car will be placed in the viewing area to allow for voting.
  • Each Den will race as a group.  The fastest car from each den will be included in the race-off for Fastest Car in the Pack.
  • Dens may be combined during races but awards will be determined by den.
  • Each car will race in each lane of the 6 lane wide track, race order will be selected by the computer.
  • Timing and results will be calculated by electronic track timing and will be considered "final".
  • Re-races will only occur in the event of track and / or timer malfunction or if one car should interfere with the operation of another car.  Failure of an individual car or cars to cross the finish line shall not be cause to re-run the race.
  • Cars will be returned to participants after the Awards ceremony.
  • Cub Scouts need not be present to participate in racing or receive an award.