Pinewood Derby

Perry Pinewood Derby                              

Monday May 16, 2022

The Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby started 1953​.

​"I wanted to devise a wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and 

promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition."

Don Murphy, 1953 

Your Pinewood Derby Kit

Block of wood that meets legal dimensions

Four official wheels and axles.

Two pre-cut axle slots for easy, accurate axle/wheel assembly


Designing and Building the Ultimate Pinewood Derby Car

1. Create the Design  

Three Design Choices.  Truck, Bus, and Car

2. Shape Your Car:

Use sand paper to smooth your car’s edges and shape it to your design. 

3. Sand and Paint the Pinewood Derby Car 

Make it smooth to reduce friction and paint an awesome design to make it look great.

4. Install Axles and Wheels 

Make sure they are aligned perfectly straight. You can test the alignment of your axles by pushing your car across a smooth floor or table. It should roll smoothly in a straight line.

5. Create Glue Holes

Glue the axles firmly in their holes to ensure that they stay perfectly placed, but make sure you don’t get glue on your wheels.

6. Lubricate the Wheel Well

Add graphite or another dry lubricant to reduce friction. The less friction between the body and wheel, the better.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND BEHAVIOR IS EXPECTED. 

What is GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP?

Design 1: Truck

(four cuts)

IMG954829.3gp
Pinewood Derby design 1 truck.pdf

Design 2: Bus

(two cuts)

IMG954829.3gp
Pinewood Derby Car design 2 bus.pdf

Design 3: Car

(two cuts)

IMG954829.3gp
Pinewood Derby Car design 3 car.pdf

Derby Videos and Examples

VID_20190223_104209.mp4

Perry Pinewood Derby Timeline