2025 Pack 51 Pinewood Derby
February 8th | Atascadero Scout Hut
Registration 12:00 -12: 45 a.m. | Racing beings promptly at 1:00 p.m.
** Racers not registered by 12:45 a.m. will NOT be permitted to race **
"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 cub scout can design and build their own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.
The Scout Derby - with the top 3 fastest cars from each rank qualifying for the LEC Semi-Final Event.
The Car Show - All cars will be entered into a car show contest.
The Outlaw Derby - Anything and everything goes.
The Sibling Derby - Scout brothers and sisters can enter their own cars.
The Sponsor Derby - Local businesses and families can enter the race with a small fee. Participants (or the Pack) build and race the cars. A Traveling Trophy is engraved and placed at the winners business for the following year.
The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all child participants will be recognized. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware. Trophies will be awarded to racers in places 1-3 and for Best Sportsmanship in addition to Car Show Design Categories (to be announced). Trophies will be awarded in the Outlaw, Sibling, and Sponsor Derby as well.
The scouts are not permitted to use power tools but 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. Reach out if you are in need of assistance.
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 registered Scouts will receive a kit in December. Parent and siblings are on their own. We will have some to purchase at December meeting so please reach out to our Treasurer for payment options. Kits are also sold at the local Scout Shop, hobby shops, or online. 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 scouts. The complete set of rules are available following the links on this page, or by clicking the link below.
In order to keep this as fair and fun as possible, you have to have rules. Rules apply to ALL Divisions.