Pinewood Derby

PINEWOOD DERBY FORMAT & Rules

Students must be currently enrolled in a Region North LAUSD school to compete in the STEAM Fest Pinewood Derby.

Watch student-designed cars race down the track as engineering, creativity, and speed come together at STEAM Fest!

Inaugural Pinewood Derby at STEAM Fest 2026

Region North and the Division of Instruction will host a Pinewood Derby Competition during STEAM Fest 2026.

Students are invited to design and build a Pinewood Derby car and bring it to STEAM Fest to race!

Pinewood Derby Rules

Dimensions and Weight (verified at car drop-off)
Maximum length: 7 inches
Maximum width: 2¾ inches
Maximum weight: 5 ounces
Only official wheels and axles may be used
Graphite or silicone lubrication only (no oil)
No springs or starting mechanisms
Car must roll freely down the track

Students must be currently enrolled in a Region North LAUSD school to compete in the STEAM Fest Pinewood Derby.

How the Competition Works

📅 Event Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Students must bring their completed car and drop it off IN PERSON at the Pinewood Derby Competition Table, located on the 2nd Floor of the Discovery Cube.

Car Drop-Off: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Students must attend STEAM Fest to participate, but do not need to be present at time of race.
One car entry per student.
Students may build their car at home or through a classroom activity.

After check-in, each car will be assigned a race time within its division.

Divisions

K-2
3-5
6-8
9-12

Awards

🏁 Speed Champion Award
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division
- Awarded to the cars that travel the fastest down the track.
🎨 Innovation in Design Award
- One award per division
- Recognizing creativity, craftsmanship, and originality in car design.
🔬 Engineering Excellence Award
- One award per division
- Recognizing a car that demonstrates thoughtful design and engineering.

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