Girl Scout Race Car Derby

This event is open to all Girl Scouts and their families (but we have a limited number of people that can attend per the building).  We will have multiple races by Girl Scout level as well as non-GS youth and adult.   Each car will race in a heat with 2 other cars three times.  The total time of all 3 heats will determine who gets 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place (not the winners of each heat) for the fastest cars.  There will be 6 overall design awards voted on by the girls as they arrive: Best Girl Scout Spirit, Most Artistic, Most Creative Use Of Material, Most Innovative Design, Best Theme Car, and Best Use Of Imagination.

Cost of event is $15 to register a car which includes building rental, snacks, water, crafts, fun patch, tattoo, and awards (trophy and/or ribbon).  What is not included: wood car, materials to decorate, and weights.  Additional family members may attend without registering a car (no cost).  See below for where to buy the wooden blocks for the car base.

At the bottom of the car, please include your troop number and a fun car name (which will be displayed in the race results).

Feel free to be in costume and bring SWAPS to trade with other Girl Scouts!

We have sold out for this event.  To register: https://2026-race-car-derby.cheddarup.com 

Race Day Info

Race Day:

First United Methodist Church

533 Grand Ave, Loveland

Car Check In (adults only): 9:00am - 12:00pm morning of 

(or arrange day before)

Troop Arrive Time: 12:30pm

Races:

GS level races will be staggered with the youngest level first.

Daisies will race at 1:00pm

Brownies will race at 1:50pm

Siblings will race at 3:20pm

Adults will race at 3:45pm

Best of Show Awards at 4:05pm

Juniors will race at 4:15pm

Cadettes / Seniors / Ambassadors will race at 4:55pm

Estimated end time of whole event will be about 5:30pm but you do not need to stay for the whole time.  If you are racing later in the afternoon, you can arrive later but voting for "Best of" will happen between 12:30-1:00pm.

Race Day Notes

*Car rules are below and must be followed.

*All cars need to be checked in before 12:15pm in order to race but we need time to go through the checklist, so dropping the cars off earlier in the morning is better or the day before.

*During check in, there will be scales and tools available to make adjustments to cars.

*Once cars are checked in, no further adjustments may be made. 

*Feel free to bring your own water bottles and snacks (or leftover Halloween candy), we will have some to share as well.

Daisies - as you are working on a car and racing it, you may earn the Model Car Design Challenge Badge  - plan ahead to complete all requirements before the race

Brownies - as you are working on a car and racing it, you may earn the Race Car Design Challenge Badge - plan ahead to complete all requirements before the race

Where to purchase the wooden blocks:

Hobby Lobby does not carry any pine cars any more

Walmart Car Derby Supplies

Amazon Car Derby Supplies

Hobby Town Car Derby Supplies

Amazon.com: Maximum Velocity! Wedge Derby Car Kits | Bulk 12-Pack Pinewood Car Kits 

Amazon.com: Maximum Velocity! 12 Pre-Shaped Derby Car Kits | Bulk Pack Pine Derby Kits 

Amazon.com: Maximum Velocity Derby Car Kits - whole blocks

Loveland Scout Shop - 5604 McWhinney Blvd

In the Outlets at Loveland (west of I-25, north of US-34)

NOTE: It looks like Hobby Lobby isn't selling their Pine Cars any more.

How and where to cut the wooden blocks:

There are several places or personal workshops that can cut your pinewood blocks into a car in the local area.  For example, LINC – High Plains Library District.   If you have more suggestions, please let us know.  Or, maybe you have a family member or friend who might offer their tools for your troop.

If you need help cutting cars, let our troop know by emailing GirlScoutTroop78449@yahoo.com and we can give you other resources.

Pre-cut wooden blocks are acceptable.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure that your car weighs as close to 5 ounces as possible with a kitchen scale or it won't go all the way down the track.

Race Car Derby Rules:

1. All cars must be able to roll freely on the track. 

2. Length:  The total length of the car (including protrusions) shall not exceed 7 inches.

3. Width:  The overall width of cars (outside of wheel to outside of wheel including axles and any protrusions on each side of the car) shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches.

4. Height: Must be able to get under the finish gate and not to exceed 4 inches tall.

5. Clearance: Between bottom of car and bottom of wheels is to be no less than 3/8 inch.

6. Nose Width: Front of car must have a minimum center flat surface of ½ inch in horizontal width to provide a stable point of contact with the racing pin located on the track.  If car is unable to rest on the racing pin properly the Derby Officials have the authority to race the car in the backwards position.  

7. Wheelbase Length: The distance between the front and rear wheels is 4 3/8 inches.  The original predrilled axle slots must be used.  Do NOT nail the axles into the wood (axles must be visible for inspection). You may glue axles in place to secure.  Axles must be at a 90-degree angle to roll down the track straight.

8. Width Between Wheels: The width between wheels shall be a minimum of 1 3/4 inches so the car can straddle the lane wheel guide and roll freely.

9. Weight: The weight of the car shall not exceed 5 ounces or 141.7 grams.  Get as close to the maximum weight as possible or it might not make it down the track.

10. NO LOOSE MATERIALS of any kind are permitted inside or on the car - nothing that would fall onto the track.  This includes glitter - no loose/dry glitter (glitter glue OK).

11. NO LIQUIDS of any kind are permitted - nothing that would leak onto the track.  Cars must be completely dry.

12. The car must be freewheeling and have no propulsion system other than gravity.  There are to be NO starting devices, rockets, springs, rubber bands, propellers, etc.

13. Only dry lubricants, such as graphite, may be used. No liquid lubricants.

14. Cars shall not ride on any type of springs.

15. Cars must be made by the girl with adult assistance.

16. No car will be entered that has been made or used in previous years. 

17. Blocks of wood can be purchased locally at a local store, online, etc.  It can be pre-cut.  Weights are required.

18. We encourage detailing your car with paint, markers, stickers, little toys, etc but must be securely fastened.  

19. If any part of the car breaks during racing, an attendant will attempt to fix it.  The car may or may not be able to race afterwards.

20. If a car jumps the track, runs out of its lane, etc. the heat will be rerun.  The car may or may not be able to race afterwards.

21. Un-sportsman like conduct is NOT tolerated and will be asked to leave with their car.

22. At the bottom of the car, please include your troop number and a fun car name (which will be displayed in the race results).

23. "Best of" or "Most" categories will be eligible for a ribbon.

24. Top 3 speed racers of each division group will be given a trophy.

25. Everyone will receive a fun patch.

26. Most important is to have fun!

Pro Tips: Tips on Racing Fast Cars

Template Examples: Templates of Cars 

Below are some pine car race cars that race on a 35 foot track with a timer at the bottom.  The cars sit at the very top of the track with pegs as stoppers until the race starts.