Cub Scout Derby Press Kit

43RD ANNUAL CUB SCOUT DERBY COMING TO EL SEGUNDO July 12th
A Tradition since 1981, Bigger and Better than Ever!

El Segundo, CA - Saturday, July 12th, 2025 — El Segundo Cub Scout Pack 968 presents the 43rd Annual Cub Scout Derby, taking place at the El Segundo Scout House located at 325 E. Grand Ave in El Segundo from 10am to 3pm. Cub Scouts from around Southern California will take over the 300 block of E. Grand Avenue to compete in both team and individual competitions across 4 categories. While these Cub Scouts may be several years short of a formal drivers license, they’re long on sportsmanship, STEM-related skills, and high speeds.

Similar to the famous “Soap Box Derby,” the gravity propelled cars must adhere to certain design requirements and cannot carry extraneous weights. However, there’s plenty of room left to a scout’s imagination – ranging from fiberglass covered in custom crafted graphics, to home-built wooden frames with matching flames, each derby car is as unique as its team of drivers. Speeds on race day typically top a blistering 11 mph down the 300 foot Grand Ave. raceway.

The city of El Segundo and local businesses have always been incredibly supportive of the event, assisting with street closures, safety considerations, and sponsorships. Race day features a carnival-like atmosphere with music, fun and racing. Each year the local community turns out in droves to cheer on these intrepid Cub Scout racers. The action starts at 10:00 am in front of the El Segundo Scout House on Grand Ave., and goes until around 3:00pm. Get there early for the best curbside seating. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.

Cub Scout Pack 968 is chartered by the El Segundo Rotary Club and has served elementary aged youth of El Segundo and the surrounding South Bay area for over 65 years. Boys and girls from kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome in the Cub Scout program. Pack 968 is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Cub Scouting offers the opportunity for enhancing citizenship, character growth, physical fitness, STEM skills all while having outdoor fun! 

“Pack 968 looks forward to the derby every year. It’s a great opportunity for the scouts to make new friends, learn new skills, and live the cub scout motto, which is Do Your Best.” – Philip Buckley, El Segundo Pack 968 former Cubmaster

“Pack 968’s Cub Scout Derby makes for a great event every year. The scouts and their parents work so hard to prepare for the event, the community comes out in support, and everyone has a blast.” – John Stabile, El Segundo Rotary Club

“It’s exciting and nerve racking because there’s a lot going on…people are cheering, you’re waiting for the start, you’re going pretty fast, and you don’t want to cross the center line or hit a hay bale. It’s pretty awesome.” – Lukas, Cub Scout Pack 968 Alumni

“My scouts are hooked on the Soap Box Derby; the adrenaline rush for both racers and onlookers make it a highlight of the scouting year!" – Jazmin Jimenez, Scout Mom & Pack 968 Parent Committee Chair

Link to Further Information about the Derby Event and Scouting in Los Angeles:

• Cub Scout Pack 968 Website:  http://www.elsegundopack968.com

• Greater Los Angeles Area Council, BSA:  https://greaterlascouting.org/about-us/

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Photos from the 2023 Derby will be available here for press usage.