Pinewood Derby

Key Dates & Times

• Build Day #1: January 13, 2026 | 245 Morris Road from 5:30–7:00 PM 

• Build Day #2 (Make‑Up): January 17, 2026 | America Legion 26 from 2:00-5:00 PM

• Pinewood Derby Race Day: January 31, 2026

  • Setup Begins: 2 hours prior to race start

  • Race Start Time: (Pack to determine)

Build Day Agenda – January 13, 2026 (5:30–7:00 PM)

Goal: Each den completes all build-day activities during this session despite limited tools. The schedule uses structured rotations so every Scout finishes design, cutting/shaping, wheel/axle prep instruction, sanding, and labeling.

Stations:

1. Design & Planning

2. Cutting & Shaping (adult-operated tools)

3. Wheel & Axle Prep Instruction

4. Sanding, Labeling & Wrap-Up

5:30–6:15 | Lions/Bears partner with AOLs 

Standard Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Car Requirements

Car Body

• Length:

  • Maximum: 7 inches

• Width:

  • Maximum: 2¾ inches

• Height:

  • Maximum: 3 inches

• Ground Clearance:

  • Minimum: ⅜ inch (to clear center guide rail)

• Material:

  • Must use the official BSA Pinewood Derby wood block

  • Wood may be cut, shaped, and sanded

  • Add-on decorations allowed (must meet size/weight limits)

Weight

• Maximum Weight: 5.0 ounces

  • No minimum weight

  • Car must not exceed 5.0 oz at check-in

• Weights:

  • May be tungsten, zinc, lead (encapsulated), or steel

  • Must be securely attached

  • No liquid, loose, or moving weights

Wheels

• Quantity: 4 wheels

• Type:

  • Official BSA Pinewood Derby wheels only

• Modification Rules (typical):

  • Light sanding and polishing allowed

  • No reshaping, thinning, beveling, or adding material

  • Wheels must remain visibly identifiable as BSA wheels

• Wheel Mounting:

  • All four wheels must touch the track (unless Pack allows raised wheel)

Axles

• Type:

  • Official BSA nail-style axles

• Modification Rules (typical):

  • Burr removal and polishing allowed

  • No grooves, washers, bearings, or bushings

• Axle Placement:

  • Must use original slots or Pack-approved drilled holes

Lubrication

• Allowed:

  • Dry lubricants only (graphite or dry PTFE)

• Not Allowed:

  • Oil, grease, silicone spray, or wet lubricants

• Application:

  • Often restricted to before check-in only (Pack rule)

Prohibited Features

• ❌ Springs, motors, magnets, or propulsion systems

• ❌ Moving parts that shift weight during the race

• ❌ Sticky substances or traction-enhancing coatings

• ❌ Electronic components or timing devices

Identification

• Car must be clearly labeled with:

  • Scout’s name

  • Den

  • Car number (assigned at check-in)

Age-Appropriate Build Expectations (BSA Guidance)

• Scout does the work appropriate to their age

• Adults guide, not build

• Emphasis on:

  • Fun

  • Learning

  • Sportsmanship

  • Scout spirit