Pinewood Derby

"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 made from supplied BSA kits that Cub Scouts build with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition against scouts their same age group, and possibly against the best in Pack 12 in the Grand Finals round. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a custom, 42-foot aluminum track. Every registered scout is given a free kit and can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.

Race Day Highlights

There will be two main races...

1) The Scout Derby - with the two fastest cars from each rank qualifying to represent Pack 12 at the Tunica District Pinewood Derby held in May at Bass Pro Shops in Denham Springs

2)The Akela Derby - with the scout parents/guardians and den leaders cheating their way to contested victory each year. Life is not fair boys. Live with it.

Prizes and Recognition

The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized. However, the Derby is also an opportunity to compete and demonstrate ingenuity, creativity and good sportsmanship. Trophies are awarded to the 1st-3rd place speed finishers in each rank. The 5 fastest cars, regardless of rank then compete against each other in a Grand Finals round for 1st-5th place overall speed trophies. In addition, 1st-3rd place trophies are awarded for Best Design as voted on by the scouts themselves. And finally, one lucky scout is awarded the Cubmaster's Choice (it's good to be king).

Derby Workshops

There will be several opportunities at local Lowes stores throughout Derby season to mold and shape the block of pinewood into a mean, lean, well-decorated racing machine. If there is sufficient parental support and scout interest, Pack 12 may also host its own workshop. We will announce dates and times for these workshops as soon as we have detailed information. While parents are free to make their own judgement calls as to whether they'd like to allow their scouts to use power tools under adult supervision at home, Cub Scouts are not permitted to use power tools at these workshops. They are encouraged to design the shape of their cars, sand them, and decorate them accordingly. Parents are encouraged to assist the child, but they should let the child do most of the work.

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. Additional kits are sold at the local Scout Shop or online. Adults racing in the Akela Derby must procure their own kits. Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys. The complete set of rules will be posted to this website when they become available from Tunica District.