Pinewood Derby

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 child can design and build his or her own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.

Basic Rules

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. But if you wish to have "extras" on hand, they are sold at the local Scout Shop or scoutstuff.org. Cars may not exceed 5.0 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications.

Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the child. The complete set of rules will be available from your Den leader.

Race Day

The Derby will be held at the St. Francis Cabrini/Children's Corner Preschool Cafeteria. Race Day is a Saturday typically in late January, beginning at about 9:00am. Weigh-ins are on the Thursday and Friday evenings before the race, starting at 6:30pm. Check the pack calendar for this year's scheduled dates.

Snacks, lunch foods, and drinks will be available as a fundraiser. This is a family event so bring the grandparents, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who might enjoy the race.

Prizes

Scouts from each den will have the opportunity to win a prize for first, second and third place but building the fastest car isn't the only way to go home a winner. We will also be awarding prizes for the categories including fastest looking, most patriotic and others.

The Derby is about doing your 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.